Happy Birthday, Bombshell: 85 Rare Images of Marilyn Monroe

1 minute read
Marilyn Monroe, 1954
Monroe poses for the photographer known as Baron in Palm Springs, Calif., in 1954.Baron—Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis
By TIME Photo

In honor of the screen siren’s 85th birthday, TIME looks back at the many faces of Marilyn — from barefoot starlet to sexy fashion icon.

American actress Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) riding on a train from New York City to Warrensburg, New York in June 1949.
American actress Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) riding on a train from New York City to Warrensburg, New York in June 1949. Archive Photos—Getty Images
Monroe beachside during the 1940s.
Monroe beachside during the 1940s.Sunset Boulevard—Corbis
Monroe playing with a Chihuahua in Beverly Hills, Calif., on May 17, 1950.
Monroe playing with a Chihuahua in Beverly Hills, Calif., on May 17, 1950.Michael Ochs Archives—Corbis
A rare (undated) photo of Monroe lounging in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
A rare (undated) photo of Monroe lounging in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.Ed Clarke—Time Life Pictures
In bare feet, Monroe plays in a grassy field, circa 1955.
In bare feet, Monroe plays in a grassy field, circa 1955.Dave Cicero—Bettmann/CORBIS
Monroe relaxing at home.
Monroe relaxing at home.Alfred Eisenstaedt—Time Life Pictures
A 1955 image of Monroe posing by a window.
A 1955 image of Monroe posing by a window.Gene Lester—Getty Images
Monroe at the Henrietta award party at the Club Del Mar.
Monroe at the Henrietta award party at the Club Del Mar.Loomis Dean—Time Life Pictures
Actress Marilyn Monroe gets ready to go see the play "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" playfully applying her make up and Chanel No. 5 Perfume on March 24, 1955 at the Ambassador Hotel in New York City.
Actress Marilyn Monroe gets ready to go see the play "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" playfully applying her make up and Chanel No. 5 Perfume on March 24, 1955 at the Ambassador Hotel in New York City.Ed Feingersh—Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Actress Marilyn Monroe rests her eyes wearing a white fur coat on March 24, 1955 in New York City.
Actress Marilyn Monroe rests her eyes wearing a white fur coat on March 24, 1955 in New York City.Ed Feingersh—Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Monroe leans over the balcony of the Ambassador Hotel in March 1955 in New York City.
Monroe leans over the balcony of the Ambassador Hotel in March 1955 in New York City.Ed Feingersh—Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Monroe sits at a table in a restaurant in March 1955 in New York City.
Monroe sits at a table in a restaurant in March 1955 in New York City.Ed Feingersh—Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Monroe reads a script for a Clifford Odets movie, Clash by Night, for movie producer Jerry Wald.
Monroe reads a script for a Clifford Odets movie, Clash by Night, for movie producer Jerry Wald.Bob Landry—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image
Monroe dabs on some of Coco Chanel's famous perfume while getting ready to go see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. In a famous quote, when asked what she wore to bed, the screen siren answered, "Chanel No. 5, of course."
Monroe dabs on some of Coco Chanel's famous perfume while getting ready to go see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. In a famous quote, when asked what she wore to bed, the screen siren answered, "Chanel No. 5, of course."Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
Monroe has a smoke while relaxing in New York City.
Monroe has a smoke while relaxing in New York City.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
In a New York restaurant in 1955, Monroe immerses herself in a book while reclining on a cozy couch. While known for her dumb-blonde roles, she was in fact very well-read.
In a New York restaurant in 1955, Monroe immerses herself in a book while reclining on a cozy couch. While known for her dumb-blonde roles, she was in fact very well-read.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
Actress Marilyn Monroe rides in the back of a car with Dick Shepherd on March 30, 1955 in New York City.
Actress Marilyn Monroe rides in the back of a car with Dick Shepherd on March 30, 1955 in New York City.Ed Feingersh—Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
An image from a shoot early in Monroe's career, photographed in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, 1950.
An image from a shoot early in Monroe's career, photographed in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, 1950.Ed Clark—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Reporters hound Monroe on March 3, 1956 in Hollywood, Calif.
Reporters hound Monroe on March 3, 1956 in Hollywood, Calif.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
Monroe cracking a wide smile in 1956.
Monroe cracking a wide smile in 1956. Hulton-Deutsch Collection—Corbis
Monroe striking a pose circa 1952.
Monroe striking a pose circa 1952. Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
Carrying a book on the life of Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe tears herself away form it long enough to pose for photographers at Idlewild Airport just before she took off for Bement, Illinois.
Carrying a book on the life of Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe tears herself away form it long enough to pose for photographers at Idlewild Airport just before she took off for Bement, Illinois.Dan Mcelleney—Bettmann/CORBIS
In this undated image, Monroe reads at home.
In this undated image, Monroe reads at home.Alfred Eisenstaedt—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Monroe snuggles into her fur coat to escape the icy winds at La Guardia airport in New York City in 1959.
Monroe snuggles into her fur coat to escape the icy winds at La Guardia airport in New York City in 1959. Bettmann—Bettmann/CORBIS
Monroe poses over a Manhattan subway grate as the wind blows her white dress up, September 16, 1954, during the filming of Seven Year Itch.
Monroe poses over a Manhattan subway grate as the wind blows her white dress up, September 16, 1954, during the filming of Seven Year Itch. Sam Goldstein—Bettmann/CORBIS
Monroe steals the show again as she arrives wearing a slinky evening gown for the New York opening of Tennessee William's New Play, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in March, 1955.
Monroe steals the show again as she arrives wearing a slinky evening gown for the New York opening of Tennessee William's New Play, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in March, 1955. Frank Mastro—Bettmann/CORBIS
Monroe poses alongside Lauren Bacall, far left, and Humphrey Bogart at the premiere of How to Marry a Millionaire in 1953.
Monroe poses alongside Lauren Bacall, far left, and Humphrey Bogart at the premiere of How to Marry a Millionaire in 1953.Darlene Hammond—Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Monroe smokes on the set at the 20th Century Fox studios in 1954.
Monroe smokes on the set at the 20th Century Fox studios in 1954.Gene Lester—Getty Images
Monroe performs the famous musical number from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1953.
Monroe performs the famous musical number from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1953.Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Monroe in a nightgown on Oct. 14, 1954.
Monroe in a nightgown on Oct. 14, 1954.Bettmann—CORBIS
Monroe filming The Prince and the Showgirl in 1957.
Monroe filming The Prince and the Showgirl in 1957.Sunset Boulevard—Corbis
Monroe smiles during a press conference at the Savoy Hotel in London in July 1956.
Monroe smiles during a press conference at the Savoy Hotel in London in July 1956.Hulton-Deutsch Collection—Corbis
Monroe waits in New York City's Grand Central subway station in 1955.
Monroe waits in New York City's Grand Central subway station in 1955.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
In the early 1950s, Monroe mugs on the set of How to Marry a Millionaire with fellow actor David Wayne.
In the early 1950s, Monroe mugs on the set of How to Marry a Millionaire with fellow actor David Wayne.Sunset Boulevard—Corbis
Monroe arriving nearly 2½ hours late for a ceremony marking in New York in 1957.
Monroe arriving nearly 2½ hours late for a ceremony marking in New York in 1957.Bettmann—Corbis
Monroe rehearsing for a performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden in 1955.
Monroe rehearsing for a performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden in 1955.Bettmann—Corbis
A cheered-up Monroe reads a get-well card from her then boyfriend, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, after undergoing an operation in 1952.
A cheered-up Monroe reads a get-well card from her then boyfriend, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, after undergoing an operation in 1952.Bettmann—Corbis
In South Korea in 1954, Monroe poses with baseball players.
In South Korea in 1954, Monroe poses with baseball players.Walt Durrell—Bettmann/Corbis
Monroe shooting The River of No Return in 1954.
Monroe shooting The River of No Return in 1954. Twentieth Century Fox Film—Corbis
Monroe poses in a bikini top circa 1955.
Monroe poses in a bikini top circa 1955. CinemaPhoto—Corbis
Monroe aboard the Million Dollar Special train in August 1953.
Monroe aboard the Million Dollar Special train in August 1953.Bettmann—Corbis
Monroe arrives at the premiere of There's No Business like Show Business in 1954.
Monroe arrives at the premiere of There's No Business like Show Business in 1954.Murray Garrett—Getty Images
Monroe on the set of All About Eve in 1950.
Monroe on the set of All About Eve in 1950.Sunset Boulevard—Corbis
Monroe at her most sultry, circa 1953.
Monroe at her most sultry, circa 1953. CinemaPhoto—Corbis
The bombshell chats with U.S. troops in South Korea in February 1954.
The bombshell chats with U.S. troops in South Korea in February 1954.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe getting out of a car.
Monroe getting out of a car. Alfred Eisenstaedt—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Monroe in a seductive pose, circa 1954.
Monroe in a seductive pose, circa 1954. Baron—Getty Images
American actress Marilyn Monroe
The icon posing in 1953.Sunset Boulevard—Corbis
Monroe in a polka-dot bikini, circa 1955.
circa 1955: Portrait of American actoMonroe in a polka-dot bikini, circa 1955.Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Marilyn Makes Up
In this undated photo, Monroe touches up her 'do in front of a mirror. Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Monroe during a photo shoot in Los Angeles in August 1950.
Monroe during a photo shoot in Los Angeles in August 1950.Ed Clark—Time and Life Pictures
Monroe during a photo shoot in Los Angeles in August 1950.
Monroe during a photo shoot in Los Angeles in August 1950.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
Monroe during a photo shoot in Los Angeles in August 1950.
Monroe during a photo shoot in Los Angeles in August 1950.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
In this undated image, Monroe chats in a dressing room at New York City's Madison Square Garden.
In this undated image, Monroe chats in a dressing room at New York City's Madison Square Garden.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
The star at a press conference in London's Savoy Hotel in 1956.
The star at a press conference in London's Savoy Hotel in 1956.Popperfoto—Getty Images
Marilyn Rides A Pink Elephant
Monroe rides a pink elephant in Madison Square Garden for a circus charity event as she is surrounded by photographers in March 1955 in New York City.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
The blonde bombshell circa 1951.
The blonde bombshell circa 1951.Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe with the Marines
The star posing with troops in South Korea in 1954.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe
Monroe signs a photo of herself, circa 1955.Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Monroe signs a photo of herself, circa 1955.
Monroe signs a photo of herself, circa 1955.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe Sitting on Chair
Monroe in 1956 at Idlewild Airport (now JFK International Airport) just before heading to Los Angeles to work on a new film.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe at NBC Studios
An "unauthorized" Monroe at NBC Studios in August 1952.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe Smiling
Monroe leaving to film The Billionaire in 1959.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe, 1954
Monroe poses for the photographer known as Baron in Palm Springs, Calif., in 1954.Baron—Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis
Marilyn Monroe Climbing Lifeguard Tower
Monroe poolside in 1952. Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe Standing by Young Man
Monroe signs an autograph for a fan in 1952.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe in Dressing Room
Monroe in Hollywood on April 15, 1954, with a framed photo of then husband DiMaggio in view.Bettmann—Corbis
A bespectacled Monroe in 1954.
A bespectacled Monroe in 1954. Bettmann—Corbis
In South Korea, Monroe changes in a makeshift dressing room.
In South Korea, Monroe changes in a makeshift dressing room.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe Sitting in Bathing Suit
Monroe on a break during the filming of Love Nest in 1951.Bettmann—Corbis
Photo of Marilyn Monroe
Circa 1953, Monroe poses in a bathing suit and heels.Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
The actress in 1957 during her then husband Arthur Miller's trial on charges of contempt of Congress.
The actress in 1957 during her then husband Arthur Miller's trial on charges of contempt of Congress.Bettmann—CORBIS
Actress Marilyn Monroe Attending March of Dimes Fashion Show
Monroe with twin girls at the March of Dimes fashion show in 1958.Bettmann—Corbis
Marilyn Monroe
The bombshell poses in 1954. Baron—Getty Images
Monroe admiring the artwork at a New York City restaurant in 1955.
Monroe admiring the artwork at a New York City restaurant in 1955. Michael Ochs Archives—Getty Images
Monroe in a sweater and pants in 1955.
Monroe in a sweater and pants in 1955.Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Monroe strikes a more nervous stance here.
Monroe strikes a more nervous stance here. Hulton Archive—Getty Images
On the set of Let's Make Love
The actress at the focal point of the stage. John Bryson—Sygma/Corbis
On the set of Let's Make Love
Monroe shooting Let's Make Love in 1960. John Bryson—Sygma/Corbis
Monroe's famous rendition of "Happy Birthday," which she sang to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962.
Monroe's famous rendition of "Happy Birthday," which she sang to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962. Yale Joel—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
On the set of Let's Make Love
Monroe on set in 1960. John Bryson—Sygma/Corbis
On the set of Let's Make Love
Monroe shooting Let's Make Love in 1960. John Bryson—Sygma/Corbis
Marilyn Monroe is shown with her small white dog, Maf.
Marilyn Monroe is shown with her small white dog, Maf. Bettmann—Corbis
In this famous nude scene, her first for a film, Monroe takes a swim in Something's Got to Give, which was never completed because of Monroe's untimely death at the age of 36.
In this famous nude scene, her first for a film, Monroe takes a swim in Something's Got to Give, which was never completed because of Monroe's untimely death at the age of 36. Bettmann—Corbis
Monroe during the filming of The Misfits in 1961, in one of the final images of the actress before her death.
Monroe during the filming of The Misfits in 1961, in one of the final images of the actress before her death.Bettmann—Corbis

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