Rare Snapshots of Marilyn Monroe Reveal the Star’s Lighter Side

2 minute read

As far as Hollywood stories go, Marilyn Monroe‘s is generally seen as a tragic one. The iconic star had one of the most famous faces in the world, even as she struggled to be taken seriously by audiences and colleagues. She overcame a rough childhood to reach fame and fortune, but died young, in 1962, troubled and alone.

Knowing what would come later, it’s easy for her fans today to look at images of the actress and add their own overlay of sadness to the pictures. But, as these candid photos suggest, the tragedy of her story does not mean that she lacked for moments of happiness—or at least moments when she appeared to be happy.

(Gifts: The 100 Most Influential Images of All Time)

These images are part of a massive haul of Monroe material being sold this week by Julien’s Auctions, beginning on Thursday. Many of them were owned by Frieda Hull, one of the so-called “Monroe Six”—a group of young superfans who followed her every move, and who eventually got to know Monroe well. The fans often snapped amateur photos of the star, which offer a contrast to the famous pictures that often spring to mind when one thinks of Monroe. Some of Hull’s collection of Monroe images have never before been seen publicly.

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The auction also includes items ranging from costumes worn by the star to pieces from her personal correspondence. Perhaps most notably, the several days of auctions will also include the sale of the actual dress that Monroe wore—in fact, she was was sewn into it—for the night she famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

Gifts: The 100 Most Influential Images of All Time

Marilyn Monroe in front of the Sherry Netherland Hotel in New York City, 1952.
Marilyn Monroe in front of the Sherry Netherland Hotel in New York City, 1952. Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe circa 1953 at La Rue Restaurant.
Marilyn Monroe circa 1953 at La Rue Restaurant.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe driving a car and posing through the driver's side window taken in the mid-1950s.
Marilyn Monroe driving a car and posing through the driver's side window, taken in the mid-1950s.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe with her husband Arthur Miller departing New York City for England to film The Prince and the Showgirl on July 13, 1956.
Marilyn Monroe with her husband Arthur Miller departing New York City for England to film The Prince and the Showgirl on July 13, 1956.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe besides a plane.
Marilyn Monroe beside a plane.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe with an unknown crew member on the set of River of No Return in Jasper National Park in Canada, 1953.
Marilyn Monroe with an unknown crew member on the set of River of No Return in Jasper National Park in Canada, 1953.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe in 1955, possibly going to a birthday party for Elia Kazan on September 7.
Marilyn Monroe in 1955, possibly going to a birthday party for Elia Kazan on September 7.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe wearing a white brocade gown with matching jacket and white evening gloves as she attended the New York City premiere of East of Eden on March 9, 1955.
Marilyn Monroe wearing a white brocade gown with matching jacket and white evening gloves as she attended the New York City premiere of East of Eden on March 9, 1955.Courtesy Julien's Auctions
Marilyn Monroe as she boarded a plane for Hollywood at Idlewild Airport in New York on February 25, 1956.
Marilyn Monroe as she boarded a plane for Hollywood at Idlewild Airport in New York on Feb. 25, 1956.Courtesy Julien's Auctions

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Write to Lily Rothman at lily.rothman@time.com