Joe DiMaggio

Joe DiMaggio

Born: November 25, 1914
Died: March 8, 1999
in Martinez, California, USA
Joseph Paul DiMaggio (born Giuseppe Paolo DiMaggio; November 25, 1914 – March 8, 1999), nicknamed "Joltin' Joe", "the Yankee Clipper", and "Joe D.", was an American baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. He is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and is best known for setting the record for the longest hitting streak in baseball (56 games from May 15 – July 16, 1941), which still stands today.

He was a three-time American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award winner and an All-Star in each of his 13 seasons. During his tenure with the Yankees, the club won ten American League pennants and nine World Series championships. His nine career World Series rings are second only to fellow Yankee Yogi Berra, who won ten.

At the time of his retirement after the 1951 season, he ranked fifth in career home runs (361) and sixth in career slugging percentage (.579). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955 and was voted the sport's greatest living player in a poll taken during baseball's centennial year of 1969. His brothers Vince (1912–1986) and Dom (1917–2009) were also major league center fielders.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces on February 17, 1943, rising to the rank of sergeant. He spent most of his military career playing for baseball teams and in exhibition games, and superiors gave him special privileges due to his prewar fame. Embarrassed by his lifestyle, he requested that he be given a combat assignment but was turned down. He was released on a medical discharge in September 1945, due to chronic stomach ulcers. 

In January 1937, he met actress Dorothy Arnold on the set of Manhattan Merry-Go-Round. He announced their engagement on April 25, 1939, they married on November 19, 1939, and had a son, Joseph Paul DiMaggio Jr. (1941–1999). They divorced in 1944, while he was on leave from the Yankees during World War II.

He and actress Marilyn Monroe eloped on January 14, 1954. The union was troubled from the start by his jealousy and controlling attitude; he was also physically abusive. After returning from New York City to Hollywood in October 1954, she filed for divorce after only nine months of marriage. He underwent therapy, stopped drinking alcohol, and expanded his interests beyond baseball.

He reentered her life as her marriage to Arthur Miller was ending. On February 10, 1961, he secured her release from Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic in Manhattan. She joined him in Florida where he was a batting coach for the Yankees. Their "just friends" claim did not stop remarriage rumors from flying. Bob Hope "dedicated" Best Song nominee "The Second Time Around" to them at the 33rd Academy Awards.

According to Maury Allen's biography, he was told that DiMaggio left his employ on August 1, 1962, because he had decided to ask Monroe to remarry him. Four days later, on August 5, she was found dead in her Brentwood home.

Devastated, he claimed her body and arranged for her funeral. He barred Hollywood's elite and members of the Kennedy family from attending, including President John F. Kennedy. He had a half-dozen red roses delivered to her crypt three times a week for 20 years. He refused to talk about her publicly or otherwise exploit their relationship. He never married again.

Movies for Joe DiMaggio...

The Guru
Title: The Guru
Character: Self
Released: April 28, 2024
Type: Movie
Follow the extraordinary journey of George Farah as he transcends the boundaries of adversity. Shot, yet undeterred, he defies the odds to conquer the Mr. Olympia stage. When faced with the daunting diagnosis of stage four cancer, Farah's indomitable spirit propels him through an inspiring tale of survival.
bee
Say Hey, Willie Mays!
Title: Say Hey, Willie Mays!
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: October 27, 2022
Type: Movie
Follow Willie Mays’ life both on and off the field over five decades as he navigated the American sports landscape and the country’s ever-evolving cultural backdrop, all while helping to define what it means to be one of America’s first Black sports superstars. He left an indelible mark in New York City and San Francisco, building a love affair with both cities’ fans.
bee
Dream Girl: The making of Marilyn Monroe
Title: Dream Girl: The making of Marilyn Monroe
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: September 20, 2022
Type: Movie
How did Marilyn Monroe become one of the greatest sex symbols of all time? What drove a prudish little Californian girl, who was not especially pretty nor exceptionally talented, to become this incredibly striking platinum blonde superstar? How did she become the icon capable of balancing innocence with raw sensuality, whilst continuing to captivate the masses to this day? How did she achieve this? And what price did she pay?
bee
The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes
Title: The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: April 27, 2022
Type: Movie
This documentary explores the mystery surrounding the death of movie icon Marilyn Monroe through previously unheard interviews with her inner circle.
bee
Rat Pack
Title: Rat Pack
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: January 11, 2022
Type: Movie
In the 1950s, a small group of artists monopolized the attention of the cameras and the public. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford together form the "rat pack": they sing the most popular hits of the moment, star in the most profitable Hollywood films and are already making a splash on television . This documentary, produced by a recognized specialist in the history of Hollywood, recounts the exceptional destiny of this informal group which flirted with the greats of this world, notably through Sinatra, personal friend of American President Kennedy.
bee
Reel Baseball: Baseball's Golden Era the Way Americans Witnessed It
Title: Reel Baseball: Baseball's Golden Era the Way Americans Witnessed It
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: September 25, 2012
Type: Movie
Broadcaster Joe Garagiola narrates the greatest games of baseball's golden era in this nostalgia-packed documentary. Its unique focus is legendary ball games the way most of America witnessed them . . . in the movie newsreels. The venues are America's grand old ball parks: the original Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Brooklyn's Ebbets Field; the Polo Grounds, Tiger Stadium and other baseball landmarks that may be gone, but come to life again in this DVD. Witness Babe Ruth at bat; Lou Gehrig's ""luckiest man"" speech; Roger Maris breaking the Babe's home-run record; Pete Gray, the St. Louis Brown's one-armed outfielder; Ted William's final at-bat when he went out in grand style, ending his career with a home run, and other classic moments in baseball history.
bee
WWE: Undertaker 20-0 - The Streak
Title: WWE: Undertaker 20-0 - The Streak
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: July 23, 2012
Type: Movie
Walk the dark and hallowed path of he who cannot be buried. The Apocalyptic Warrior who has denied salvation to twenty souls to forge an eternal streak. The dynasty of The Deadman becomes immortal in Undertaker: The Streak. Hear the tales of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Batista, Big Show, Randy Orton and other victims who have dared to stare across the ring into the cold eyes of The Phenom. From Undertaker's WrestleMania VII debut vs. Jimmy Superfly Snuka to his agonising war with Triple H and the illustrious opponents in between, every chilling encounter is presented here from bell-to-bell.
bee
The House of Steinbrenner
Title: The House of Steinbrenner
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: September 21, 2010
Type: Movie
Love them or hate them, the Yankees remain the most glorified team in American sports history. Led by the Babe, the Iron Horse, the Yankee Clipper and the Mick, they dominated baseball for more than four decades before the legendary franchise sagged under the ownership of CBS. Then in 1973, a 42-year-old shipbuilder named George Steinbrenner, a man now as iconic to his team as the pinstripes on its uniforms, headed a group that purchased the Yankees, and turned that investment into a billion-dollar business. Since 1923, the ‘House that Ruth Built’ has been the epicenter of the baseball world, inspiring generations of fans to maintain loyalties through good times and bad. But with a deteriorating facility and an eye towards 21st century style revenues, Steinbrenner was inspired to build an impressive new stadium. While the Yankees kept their Bronx address at 161st and River Avenue, the new ballpark marked the end of one grand era with the hope of launching another.
bee
Marilyn Monroe: I Want to Be Loved
Title: Marilyn Monroe: I Want to Be Loved
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: February 10, 2010
Type: Movie
Documentary about Marilyn Monroe.
bee
Marilyn Monroe: Death of an Icon
Title: Marilyn Monroe: Death of an Icon
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: February 10, 2010
Type: Movie
Documentary about Marilyn Monroe: 1962: America loses its blonde icon. Marilyn Monroe dies under mysterious circumstances. How did she die? The police report states: probable suicide. But there are many things that point to murder: a corpse draped too beautifully, an investigation that was cut short, evidence that disappeared. Plus Marilyn's affairs with the then US President John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby. What really happened on that fateful summer night? After her housekeeper discovers the body, six hours pass before the police are called. She finds a beautifully draped corpse, sleeping pills in the blood but no pill residue in the stomach, witnesses who seem uncertain. The first investigator thinks about murder - and is taken off the case. Today no police files can be found.
bee
MLB Vintage World Series Films: New York Yankees
Title: MLB Vintage World Series Films: New York Yankees
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: July 25, 2006
Type: Movie
A five-DVD, 12-hour set covering 58 years, this is a sweeping time capsule of the history of the Bronx Bombers and of baseball itself - it documents the New York Yankees' 17 World Series titles between 1943 and 2000, chronicling Yankee greats including Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Derek Jeter.
bee
Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard
Title: Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: April 27, 2006
Type: Movie
From two-time Emmy winner Robyn Symon comes an intriguing documentary which offers an intimate look at Werner Erhard, founder of the est program that sparked today's multi-billion dollar personal growth industry. In his first interview in more than a decade, Erhard gives a rare glimpse into the controversy surrounding his life and the est Training -- the program that has inspired millions of people all over the world.
bee
Marilyn on Marilyn
Title: Marilyn on Marilyn
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: January 1, 2001
Type: Movie
Documentary on Marilyn’s life told by herself from the taped interviews she gave to Life magazine and French Marie Claire less than a month before she died, accompanied by rare and previously unseen footage.
bee
The First of May
Title: The First of May
Character: Self
Released: March 20, 1999
Type: Movie
Cory is a foster child nobody wants. Carlota is an elderly woman the world has forgotten. Together, they find friendship and family when they join a traveling circus. Also features Mickey Rooney and Joe DiMaggio, in his last screen appearance.
bee
Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Title: Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: October 19, 1997
Type: Movie
Winner of the International Monitor Award for Best Documentary, this portrait celebrates one of the most beloved players in the history of baseball, with commentary from Bob Feller, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, and Mario Cuomo, among others. Explore Joe DiMaggio's life, including his early days in San Francisco, his experiences as a Yankee, his legendary 56-game hitting streak and his much-publicized marriage to Marilyn Monroe.
bee
Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess
Title: Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: October 17, 1994
Type: Movie
An account of the life and career of Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood's most famous and glamorous movie stars.
bee
Super Stars of Sports: Baseball
Title: Super Stars of Sports: Baseball
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: January 1, 1991
Type: Movie
Made in 1990, this compilation video highlights the "Best of the Best" in Baseball.
bee
Joe Dimaggio 1, 2, 3
Title: Joe Dimaggio 1, 2, 3
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1991
Type: Movie
The artist stalks and serenades Joe Dimaggio in her car as he strolls the docks unaware that she is videotaping his every step.
bee
Night of 100 Stars III
Title: Night of 100 Stars III
Character: Self
Released: May 21, 1990
Type: Movie
A celebrity benefit for The Actors' Fund of America, featuring music, songs, dance and comedy.
bee
Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend
Title: Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: April 19, 1986
Type: Movie
Her story is well-known — the lonely child who yearned for affection and approval which she finally seemed to find as Hollywood's greatest love goddess. But even though she scaled heights few could even dream of, she was one of the loneliest of stars.
bee
Zelig
Title: Zelig
Character: Self - Playing Baseball (archive footage) (uncredited)
Released: July 15, 1983
Type: Movie
Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others.
bee
Mi Marilyn
Title: Mi Marilyn
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: January 2, 1975
Type: Movie
A memory of Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), woman, actress, goddess, myth, in the words of the Spanish director and scriptwriter José Luis Garci, who returns to his childhood and recovers a lost paradise.
bee
1969 New York Mets: The Official World Series Film
Title: 1969 New York Mets: The Official World Series Film
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: December 1, 1969
Type: Movie
The bad fortune of the Mets was forever changed when pitcher Tom Seaver debuted with New York in 1967. By 1969, even the most cynical New Yorkers believed in the young ace. Sporting a 25-7 record, and with his teammates playing inspired defense behind him, Seaver and the Mets stunned the Baltimore Orioles to win the 1969 World Series.
bee
Angels in the Outfield
Title: Angels in the Outfield
Character: Joe DiMaggio (uncredited)
Released: October 19, 1951
Type: Movie
The short-tempered manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates mends his ways in return for a little divine assistance.
bee
Title: What's My Line?
Character: Self - Mystery Guest
Released: February 2, 1950
Type: TV
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
bee
Title: The Ed Sullivan Show
Character: Self
Released: June 20, 1948
Type: TV
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
bee
Title: The Ed Sullivan Show
Character: Self - Baseball Player
Released: June 20, 1948
Type: TV
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
bee
Title: MLB World Series
Released: September 30, 1947
Type: TV
bee
Manhattan Merry-Go-Round
Title: Manhattan Merry-Go-Round
Character: Self
Released: November 26, 1937
Type: Movie
In this musical comedy, a crooked record producer uses his mob connections to force performers to do their stuff. The trouble really begins when the gangster's strong-arm tactics nearly cause a singer to lose his fiancée. A wide variety of entertainers appear including cowboy crooner Gene Autry, baseball hero Joe DiMaggio, and big band stars Cab Calloway, Ted Lewis, and the Kay Thompson Singers. Songs include "Mamma I Wanna Make Rhythm," "Manhattan Merry-Go-Round," "Heaven?," "I Owe You," and "It's Round-up Time in Reno."