Marilyn Monroe
(1926-1962), ActressSitter in 49 portraits
One of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Monroe was discovered while modeling and signed contracts with Twentieth Century-Fox and later Columbia Pictures. She had a difficult relationship with the studios and the stereotypical 'dumb blonde' roles which came to define her career and life. Frustrated, she founded Marilyn Monroe Productions in 1954, became devoted to method acting and married Arthur Miller in 1956. Marilyn died from a drug overdose and suspected suicide on August 5, 1962. In her short film career she appeared in some of the most popular films of all time including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch, creating and managing a public persona which endures today.
More on Marilyn Monroe: The Icons trail: discover the people who shaped the 20th Century
by Cecil Beaton
2 1/4 inch square film transparency, 22 February 1956
NPG x40645
by Cecil Beaton
2 1/4 inch square film transparency, 22 February 1956
NPG x40647
by Cecil Beaton
2 1/4 inch square film transparency, 22 February 1956
NPG x40646
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40283
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40284
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40285
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print (4 frames), 22 February 1956
NPG x40282
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40280
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40281
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40279
by Ed Pfizenmaier
2 1/4 inch square contact print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40278
by Cecil Beaton
vintage bromide print, 22 February 1956
NPG x40275
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