March 28, 2025 – Hollywood, CA – Today marks the 119th anniversary of the birth of Spiros Skouras, the Greek-American film executive who played a pivotal role in shaping Hollywood’s golden age and discovered one of its most iconic stars—Marilyn Monroe. Skouras’s legacy continues to resonate in film, where his executive and talent scout contributions have left an indelible mark.
Born on March 28, 1906, in Sparta, Greece, Skouras emigrated to the United States at a young age and soon made his way into the world of film. Over the course of his career, he became one of Hollywood’s leading executives, securing key positions at 20th Century Fox, where he helped transform the studio into a major player in the film industry.
However, Skouras’s name will forever be associated with one of the most significant moments in cinematic history: his discovery of Marilyn Monroe. In the early 1940s, Skouras noticed a young, aspiring actress named Norma Jeane Mortenson, struggling to break into the industry. Recognizing her potential, Skouras pushed for 20th Century Fox to sign her, eventually persuading the studio to change her name to Marilyn Monroe—a name that would soon become synonymous with stardom.
Under Skouras’s guidance, Monroe’s career soared, with her breakthrough roles in films like The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and All About Eve (1950). Skouras’s belief in Monroe’s raw talent and beauty helped catapult her into the spotlight, and she became one of the most beloved and enduring icons of the 20th century.
Beyond his work with Monroe, Skouras was instrumental in shaping the direction of 20th Century Fox. His business acumen and leadership helped guide the studio to success during the 1950s and 1960s, with iconic films like The King and I (1956), The Sound of Music (1965), and Cleopatra (1963) under his watch.
Spiros Skouras’s legacy is defined not only by his business achievements but also by his role as a key figure in the evolution of Hollywood’s star system. Through his visionary leadership, Skouras helped introduce the world to some of the most significant talent of the 20th century, including Monroe, and played an essential role in cementing 20th Century Fox as one of the major film studios of the time.
As we reflect on Spiros Skouras’s life and contributions today, his influence on Hollywood and the film industry as a whole remains as relevant as ever. From his discovery of Marilyn Monroe to his executive leadership at 20th Century Fox, Skouras’s legacy inspires generations of filmmakers and fans alike.
Remembering the Man Who Helped Make Hollywood History.