Unseen Images Of Marilyn Monroe

Here She Was Pregnant

image source: PinterestMarilyn Monroe is pictured here in an absolutely gorgeous dress on her birthday. She is showered with gifts and was just 34 years old here. The images were taken in 1960, just two years before she passed away. Sadly, she suffered multiple miscarriages throughout her life.

Smiling On Set

image source: PinterestHere, the glamorous star is pictured on the set of 'Some Like It Hot'. She is on the beach in such a glamorous outfit - and we'd expect nothing less! The lucky man she is holding hands with was known as 'Whitey', who has her close friend but also her make up artist.

Before She Was Marilyn

image source: pinterestYes, believe it or not this is actually a photograph taken of Marilyn Monroe when shewas living her former life. It's quite amazing when you consider the transformation that she had to go through to become Marilyn. She was absolutely stunning back then!

Marilyn's first ever studio photo

Image Source/ Hulton Archive/ Getty ImagesBorn as Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn poses in this adorable pic for her first ever studio photo at just six months old! She was later baptized as Norma Jeane Barker, before finally coining her iconic and well-known stage name later in life: Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn and her mother before being institutionalised

Image Source/ Silver Screen Collection/ Hulton Archive/ Getty ImagesThis photo captures a rare happy moment between Marilyn, then Norma, and her mother Gladys Barker. It's reported that Marilyn's mother suffered with mental illness during Marilyn's upbringing, and later succumbed to her paranoid schizophrenia and was institutionalised while Marilyn was still a child.

Marilyn's teenage life was not clean sailing

Image Source/ Silver Screen Collection/ Hulton Archive/ Getty ImagesMarilyn didn't have it easy as a teen and was passed pillar-to-post during her childhood. During this time, she lived with her mother's sister-in-law, in an LA orphans' home, and was in and out of boarding houses and foster care where she became a victim to sexual assault.

Our beloved blonde bombshell was actually a brunette

Image Source/ John Rodgers/ Redferns/ Getty ImagesA glimpse of Marilyn before she hit the fame, the glamour and most importantly, that iconic blonde hair. Captured in the 1940s, Marilyn's life started to look up after her tumultuous start when her mother was released from psychiatric hospital and moved in with her Aunt Ana.

Marilyn ties the knot at age 16

Image Source/ Sunset Boulevard/ Corbis/ Getty ImagesAt just 16 years old, Marilyn married police officer James Dougherty in order to avoid falling back into the failing foster care system. In a 1990 interview, James discussed his marriage to Marilyn:

"I never knew Marilyn Monroe, and I don't claim to have any insights to her to this day. I knew and loved Norma Jean."

The first photos where Marilyn became Marilyn

Image Source/ Sunset Boulevard/ Corbis/ Getty ImagesAlthough now legally being a Dougherty, Marilyn started to adopt the famous stage name around 1946. During this time, and while her husband was at war, she became a success in the modelling industry, but silently dreamed of becoming a famous actress.

Marilyn presents award as her stardom rises

Image Source/ Hulton Archive/ Getty ImagesAfter divorcing her husband, dyeing her hair blonde and signing a deal with 20th Century Fox, Marilyn's life was on the rise. Photographed here in a behind-the-scenes pic, Marilyn presents the "Dream House" award to the contest winner and her son, with the key to a brand new house.

A humble Marilyn auditions for stage plays

Image Source/ Richard C. Miller/ Donaldson Collection/ Getty ImagesIn order to get her name and face out there, Marilyn auditions for a series of stage plays and the audience can't get enough of her. Captured here moments before her audition for a play at Players Ring Theatre, it's hard to tell whether Marilyn feels anxious or confident.

Preparing for her scenes in her dressing room

Image Source/ Earl Theisen/ Getty ImagesMarilyn started to become typecast in the productions she would appear in, often being culled as the "dumb blonde", then "sex symbol". However, she had the dream of becoming a serious actress in more dramatic roles. Here we can see a 1952 Marilyn moments before taking a shower in her dressing room.

Marilyn goes over lines, determined to be better than the rest

Image Source/ Earl Theisen/ Getty ImagesThe up and coming actress worked closely with coach Natasha Lytess throughout her career and even once spent 48 hours together practicing lines. Here she can be seen, taking her role very seriously trying to memorise her lines. She eventually went on to study at the Actors Studio.

Marilyn fitted for a swimsuit as she takes the big dive

Image Source/ Bettmann/ Getty ImagesMoments like these are the ones we rarely get to see. Stars like Marilyn often appear entirely finished, their photos and scenes taken through meticulous decisions and attention to detail. However, we catch a glimpse of Marilyn being helped for a swimsuit fitting in 1953.

Marilyn snaps pic beside co-stars on set of hit film

Image Source/ Earl Theisen/ Getty ImagesMarilyn takes a picture beside co-stars Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall on the set of 'How to Marry a Millionaire' back in 1953. The film told the story of three models (rightly so) looking to land rich husbands in New York and became the fourth-highest grossing film that year.

Marilyn helps feed the American Troops on the front line...

Image Source/ Bettmann/ Getty ImagesThis photo allows us to see Marilyn's generosity and kindness as she flies out to Korea in order to help feed the American troops stationed there. Better still, she cut her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio short in Japan to fly over and lend a helping hand.

and keeps them entertained while there!

Marilyn didn't just stop at helping the crew, but also kept them all entertained. She spoke with the servicemen in the mess hall and created bonds with them. Apparently, over the four days she was stationed there, she performed 10 shows to over 100,000 servicemen.

Behind the scenes photo of that iconic skirt-blowing shot

Image Source/ Bettmann/ Getty ImagesIn 1954, Marilyn appeared in hit film 'The Seven Year Itch' and filmed that infamous skirt-blowing scene. The producers knew what they were doing and publicised the scene before being filmed, seeing scores of photographers, spectators and her husband come to watch her skirt blown by a subway grate.

On the subway like the rest of us

Image Source/ Ed Feingersh/ Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty ImagesAfter divorcing her husband, Marilyn pursued the Actor's Studio in New York with the aims of perfecting her skills. Photographed here on the subway in 1955, we get a glimpse of a real-life normal woman on her commute to the most prestigious acting school in the country.

A determined Marilyn researches the craft

Image Source/ Ed Feingersh/ Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty ImagesCaptured here while reading the book 'To the Actor: On the Technique of Acting' by Michael Chekhov, it's clear that Marilyn's intent to become an actress taken seriously was strong. In a 1955 interview, Marilyn said:

"It's not that I object to doing musicals and comedies — in fact, I rather enjoy them — but I'd like to do dramatic parts too."

In her bathrobe at The Ambassador Hotel

Image Source/ Ed Feingersh/ Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty ImagesShortly after moving to New York to get serious about her acting, Marilyn stayed at the prestigious Ambassador Hotel. You can clearly see she liked it here as she poses in a hotel-provided bathrobe that reads "The Ambassador". The hotel no longer exists in Manhattan.

The actress gets ready before stepping to the other side of the stage

Image Source/ Ed Feingersh/ Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty ImagesIn order to hone your own craft, you must experience as much of other people's as you can. Marilyn clearly knew this. This photo sees the socialite get ready to see the play 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' in her hotel room. It was around this time that Marilyn started her relationship with married playwright Arthur Miller.

Marilyn signs autographs for children at Idlewild Airport

Image Source/ Bettmann/ Getty ImagesMarilyn's stardom was taking off, and that can be seen by the strides of people waiting to grab a priceless autograph from the actress as she landed at the airport. Around this time she'd tied the knot quietly with partner Arthur Miller in a formal Jewish ceremony.

The newlyweds enjoy a Summer's drive

Image Source/ Paul Schutzer/ The LIFE Images CollectionLess than a week after they made it official, bride Marilyn waves off the camera in Arthur's convertible as they went for a Summer's drive in Roxbury at the playwrights' summer home. Their wedding rings were reportedly inscribed with the words "now is forever".

Husband and Wife share loving embrace at the Paris Ball

Image Source/ Peter Stackpole/ The LIFE Picture Collection/ Getty ImagesTaking a dance at the Waldorf Astoria during the Paris Ball event, it's clear to the attendees and the camera too that the couple were head over heels for each other. Speaking about Arthur, Marilyn shared her feelings and reflects on her previous marriages:

"This is the first time I've been really in love."

A candid Marilyn pours herself a strong drink

Image Source/ Robert W. Kelley/ The LIFE Picture Collection/ Getty ImagesA cheerful Marilyn is snapped while pouring herself a drink, captured with her husband sat behind her in serious conversations with producer Kermit Bloomgarden. While in London, Marilyn found Arthur's notebook which detailed his regrets about marrying her.

The glamorous life of movie stars

Image Source/ Popperfoto/ Getty ImagesMarilyn peeps from behind a curtain during the filming of 1959 hit film 'Some Like it Hot'. It seems that being playful on the train sleeping quarter didn't inhibit Marilyn's success as she won a Golden Globe for Best Comedy Actress. It was hard for Marilyn to remain positive, given that months before she'd suffered her final miscarriage.

A suspicious coffee break

Image Source/ Hulton Archive/ Getty ImagesMarilyn is snapped beside acting counterparts Yves Montand and Gene Kelly during a break from filming the 1960 film 'Let's Make Love'. It was reported that during this time Marilyn was actually having an affair with her co-star Yves Montand and that her husband never objected.

The misfit herself on the set of 'Misfits'

Image Source/ Ernst Haas/ Getty ImagesHer marriage with Arthur became turbulent during the filming of Arthur's 'Misfits', which was meant to be the film that broke Marilyn through the barrier of comedy actress and into the field of drama. While she cuddles up to a dog on set, it's upsetting to know that this will be Marilyn's last appearance on the screen.

On set of the film that ever aired

Image Source/ Hilton Asmus ContemporaryAfter the filming of 'Misfits', Marilyn tried her luck with new film 'Something's Gotta Give'. It was reported that she was fired from her role as she failed to turn up to set on several occasions. However, she was eventually rehired yet the film was never finished.

Marilyn's final photoshoot

Image Source/ George BarrisA woman who made the world her own poses in her final photoshoot a year before her tragic passing. This photo catches the kindness and softness of the iconic movie star who would soon succumb to her own mental health. She shortly passed away in LA at the age of 36.

Marilyn battling her personal issues

Image Source/ George BarrisAfter being found in her Los Angeles residence, the coroners deduced that her cause of death was attributed to a barbiturate overdose. Despite the glitz and glamour that Marilyn spilled, it was clear that she was a human affected by her personal crises throughout her life.

How we remember Marilyn

Image Source/ arthipoA soul-of-the-party kinda woman, Marilyn was and always will be a pop icon. Her work has been cited by many other famous artists, including Madonna, and her name still rings the bell of history for not only her work as a model and actress, but also the generosity and kindness she showed to those around her.

Smiling With One Of Her Castmates

Image Source / Reader’s DigestThere are plenty of minor Marilyn Monroe roles that you didn't even know about, when she's so usually eclipsed by roles in films like Some Like It Hot, but here she is with one of her castmates from Dangerous Years, where she had a small role as a waitress.

Marilyn And Her Dog Ruffles

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMarilyn was a huge animal lover, so it'd make sense that she had adorable pups of her own. Here she is at the beach with her dog ruffles - and at first I was going to question the skis, but thinking about it, that's a great way to get across the sand without getting grit in your shoes!

Working On A Movie Set For An Uncredited Role

Image Source / Reader’s DigestCan you believe that Marilyn even had roles that she wasn't credited for? In this movie, Scudda Ho! Scudda Hay!, two brothers are competing for the affections of the same girl - which you'd think would be the perfect role for Marilyn, but instead she played a tiny part of a character named Betty.

Monroe Dons A Cheesy Party Hat (And Still Looks Great)

Image Source / Reader’s DigestHere she is at a celebration, where her talent agent Johnny Hyde is helping her to put on a hat. Marilyn and her agent had a great relationship and luckily for both of them, they worked well together. However, the key to their great chemistry could be revealed when he reportedly asked her to marry him but she politely declined.

She Switches The Party Hat For A Chef's Hat

Image Source / Reader’s DigestAnd proves that she looks good in any hat! Pictures of Marilyn show that she was obviously laid back and light-hearted off-screen, and here she's laughing with fellow actor while wearing a chef's hat and serving some cake!

The Actress Poses By Niagra Falls

Image Source / Reader’s DigestHere Marilyn poses back in 1952 infront of Niagra Falls - now a key tourist spot - and unlike many tourists, she doesn't look like she's getting a single water spray on her! Marilyn also appeared in a film called Niagra that featured a famous walk by the actress across cobblestone streets.

The Actress Uses A Rotary Phone On Set

Image Source / Reader’s DigestCatching up with important phone calls between takes on set, Marilyn uses an old-fashioned rotary phone to make a call. Here she on the set of the movie Don't Bother To Knock, back in 1952, sporting a dressing gown and fluffy slippers.

Marilyn Was A Book-Lover

Image Source / Reader’s DigestIt wasn't just acting manuals and non-fiction craft guides Marilyn loved to read, either. She was a bookworm and enjoyed reading whenever she could. Here she's reading the poetry collection Leaves of Grass while relaxing on the lawn.

Teetering On The Edge

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMarilyn's so caught up in whatever she's laughing at she's almost falling off her stool - but seems unphased by it. Here she's passing time waiting between scenes for the movie How to Marry a Millionaire - and she looks pretty happy about it.

Marilyn Meets A Pet Celebrity

Image Source / Reader’s DigestAgain showing her natural affinity for animals, Marilyn is here shown playing with another acting celeb in the canine world: Lassie the collie dog! Marilyn met the pooch at a party thrown by musician Ray Anthony, who had even written a song dedicated to the actress.

She's Helped By Fellow Movie Star Jane Russell

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMarilyn Monroe and Jane Russell appeared together in the movie Gentleman Prefer Blondes, and it seems they developed a supportive friendship with Jane here helping Monroe with her necklace - just girls supporting girls!

Marilyn Poses In South Korea

Image Source / Reader’s DigestHere, Marilyn was pictured getting off a plane in South Korea - and finding the perfect opportunity to strike a pose. She was set to appear with the USO Camp Show 'Anything Goes' back in 1954, which were created to boost morale for the soldiers during World War II.

And Here She Is Smiling With The Soldiers

Image Source / Reader’s DigestAnd if anything boosts morale, it's that smile, surely? Here she is sharing a group photo with some of the soldiers from the same South Korea trip. The soldiers were from New York, here pictured at the third division airstrip during the four-day tour Marilyn was taking.

The Actress Hands Out Tickets For A Charity Circus Performance

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMonroe was active in charity events and advocating for good causes. This included civil rights, Milk Fund For Babies and March of Dimes. Here, she's working at a charity circus performance handing out tickets in a restaurant in New York for arthritis research.

Applying Her Own Lipstick

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMarilyn's hair, style and makeup is legendary, and you might think it took a team of industry professionals to make it work. While she naturally did have help for her on-set looks, this photo proves that she could apply her own makeup just as well - including the bold lip colour.

A Candid Window Shot

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMarilyn is no stranger to a great window shot - especially when thinking about that window scene from The Seven Year Itch - but this one offers a more candid shot of Marilyn herself, and not her character, peering thoughtfully out of a window.

Marilyn Recreates Her Own Poster Pose

Image Source / Reader’s DigestMarilyn starred in the 1952 movie Don't Bother To Knock, a movie about a pilot pursuing a babysitter. In the film's poster, Marilyn can be seen posing with a look over her shoulder, and here's a side by side with the actress herself recreating her pose. Which looks better?