Marilyn Monroe: Photos Of The Hollywood Legend In Honor Of Her 96th Birthday

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June 1, 2022 9:00AM EDT

Happy birthday Marilyn Monroe! Celebrate the Hollywood legend’s 96th birthday with photos from her life.

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Marilyn Monroe: Photos

Marilyn Monroe: Photos — A true icon. Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, is the definition of a Hollywood bombshell. The actress is almost universally known, despite her short life. She started her career as a pin-up model, before moving on the film in the 50s. Her on-screen charisma was undeniable, and by the mid-50s she was one of the business’ top earners. Iconic roles include the comedies ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’, ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’, and ‘The Seven Year Itch’. Her last role was in the 1961 drama ‘The Misfits’

Her personal life was troubled, and never far from the public eye. She was married to baseball player Joe DiMaggio from 1954 to 955 and then later playwright Arthur Miller from 1956 to 1961. Marilyn also suffered from addiction and mental illness. She was found dead of an overdose on August 4, 1962, at only 36 years old.

For more photos of the star throughout her life, click through the gallery.

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Marilyn Monroe In 1947

Marilyn Monroe In 1947 — Marilyn Monroe’s status as a sex symbol is undeniable. She’s seen posing on the beach in a two-piece swim look and heels in this 1947 photo.

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Marilyn Monroe At The Beach

Marilyn Monroe At The Beach — Marilyn Monroe charms during a beach photo shoot from 1947. She was chic in stripes.

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Marilyn Monroe Makes A Splash

Marilyn Monroe Makes A Splash — Marilyn Monroe hands out on the diving board of a pool in 1948. Her blue one-piece was so stylish.

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Marilyn Monroe In 1948

Marilyn Monroe In 1948 — Marilyn Monroe poses with a street sign in 1948. Her little blue bandeau and pleated skirt were so cute.

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Marilyn Monroe In 1949

Marilyn Monroe In 1949 — Swimming beauty! Marilyn Monroe wows in a pale pink swimsuit in this 1949 portrait.

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Marilyn Monroe Acts

Marilyn Monroe Acts — Marilyn Monroe is pictured mid-scene. She was dedicated to her craft.

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Marilyn Monroe In 1950

Marilyn Monroe In 1950 — Marilyn Monroe oozes pure glamour in this studio shot from 1950. Diamonds and long gloves made it clear she was a star.

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Marilyn Monroe In ‘Niagara’

Marilyn Monroe In ‘Niagara’ — Marilyn Monroe poses on a boulder in a scene from 1953’s ‘Niagara’. Her blue suit was so chic.

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Marilyn Monroe In ‘How To Marry A Millionaire’

Marilyn Monroe In ‘How To Marry A Millionaire’ — Diamonds ARE a girl’s best friend! Marilyn Monroe looks positively electric as she checks out some jewels in a still from ‘How To Marry A Millionaire’ in 1953.

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Marilyn Monroe In 1953

Marilyn Monroe In 1953 — Marilyn Monroe sizzles in the 1953 photo. Her blonde locks and bombshell stare would be mimicked by many for generations to come.

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Marilyn Monroe In 1954

Marilyn Monroe In 1954 — Marilyn Monroe appears in 1954. She looked off into the distance while donning a white sweater and curls.

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Marilyn In ‘Let’s Make Love’

Marilyn In ‘Let’s Make Love’ — Marilyn Monroe appears in 1960’s ‘Let’s Make Love’. Her charisma was undeniable.

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Yves Montand & Marilyn Monroe

Yves Montand & Marilyn Monroe — Castmate chemistry! Yves Montand and Marilyn Monroe appear in a behind the scenes shot from ‘Let’s Make Love’.

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Marilyn Monroe In ‘Something’s Got To Give’

Marilyn Monroe In ‘Something’s Got To Give’ — Marilyn Monroe appears in 1962’s ‘Something’s Got To Give’. The film was never finished, due to her untimely death.

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Marilyn Monroe In ‘The Misfits’

Marilyn Monroe In ‘The Misfits’ — Marilyn Monroe glows in a scene from 1961’s ‘The Misfits’. It was her last feature film.

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Marilyn Monroe & Yves Montant Get Close

Marilyn Monroe & Yves Montant Get Close — Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montant appear in a scene from the musical ‘Let’s Make Love’. The movie was about billionaire Jean-Marc Clement, who upon learning that he is to be satirized in an off-Broadway revue, passes himself off as an actor playing him in order to get closer to the beautiful star of the show, Amanda Dell (Marilyn)

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Marilyn Monroe In 1960

Marilyn Monroe In 1960 — Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montand film together in 1960. She looked so glam in her sparkling silver dress.

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