‘The Secret Life Of Marilyn Monroe’: 5 Things To Know About Lifetime Movie Actress Kellie Garner

“The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” will be unveiled on Lifetime when the anticipated two-part miniseries premieres Saturday night. Before you tune in to the made-for-television drama based on the exciting life of the actress formerly known Norma Jean Baker, why don’t you check out five things you should know about Kelli Garner, the starlet portraying the iconic star?

1. Garner Was Unfamiliar With Monroe’s Tragic Story

According to the 31-year-old actress who was born in Bakersfield, California, Garner wasn’t fully aware of Monroe’s acting career, having watched only two of her films: “Some Like It Hot” and “The Seven Year Itch.”

“I was really uneducated about her as an actress,” Garner told Fox411, explaining that after reading the TV-miniseries script and watching the movie “The Misfits,” she was able to connect with the dreamy figure on an artistic level. “I think ‘The Misfits’ was my way into finding her. Then I just started trying to trust myself and my instincts.”

2. Garner Cried At Her Transformation Into Monroe

During an interview with Pret-a-Reporter, the actress divulged the emotions she felt when she saw herself evolve into the legendary blond. “I think I might have shed a tear at one point because everyone just worked so hard,” Garner said, “and I’ll never look more beautiful than being made up to try and look like the most beautiful woman that quite possibly ever walked the face of the Earth."

3. Garner Wasn’t Worried About Taking On The Iconic Role

Many actresses have tried their hands at portraying the stunning star -- from Michelle Williams to Mira Sorvino -- but Garner wasn’t nervous when she was cast as the sex symbol. In fact, she dished to Pret-a-Reporter that her fears of depicting such a legendary figure “kind of took a backseat” because she was so excited to work with two of her favorite actresses: Susan Sarandon and Emily Watson.

Sarandon plays Monroe’s mother, Gladys Monroe Mortenson, and Watson portrays the character Grace McKee.

4. The Actress Has A Very Full Resume

Garner has been a very busy actress. She’s starred in TV series such as “Pan Am,” has credits films such as “The Aviator” and “Horns,” made her debut Off-Broadway in the production “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” and has even appeared in two Green Day music videos: “Jesus of Suburbia” and “Whatsername.”

5. Garner Once Dated A “Big Bang Theory” Star

In 2012, Garner and Johnny Galecki made a public appearance together after their steamy Mexico getaway. Following two years of dating, though, the duo decided to call it quits, People magazine reported.

“It’s all good,” a source told E Online after the couple’s breakup was confirmed. “They still hang out a lot.”

Are you excited about watching Garner in “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”? The two-day event will begin on Lifetime Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. EDT.