Don't think of Marilyn as a piece of weak fluff. In her memoirs she writes that when she went to foster homes she didn't mind working hard. She was 'big' and strong. I get the impression that when she was young she was big for her age even though she ended up at 5'5". Also she had the reputation as a bit of a bully as a child although she says she only "shoved them, slapped them, pulled their hair, or knocked them down." I'll bet she would surprise several actresses who might think she was a walk over.