Remembering Marilyn Monroe, actress, fashion icon, and sex symbol 60 years after her death

Marilyn Monroe passed away when she was a young 36 years old but in her short life, she made a major impact on American society. She is still fondly remembered and quoted today.

Marilyn Monroe, born in 1926 as Norma Jeane Mortenson, starred in hit 1950s films. She was a pop culture icon and major sex symbol. Her beauty is still recognized by fans today. (Bettman / Contributor Getty Images) The "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" singer Marilyn Monroe was a fashion icon throughout her short life. Here she is photographed in a stunning gold gown in 1953. (Frank Povolny/Twentieth Century Fox/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images) One of the most timeless and iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe is the shot of her walking over a subway grate wearing a white dress. The scene was filmed for her 1955 movie "The Seven Year Itch."  (Bettmann / Contributor Getty Images) In 1962, Marilyn Monroe sang a long, breathy "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in a sheer, beaded Jean Louis dress at Madison Square Garden. The famous dress was most recently worn by Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Met Gala. (Bettmann / Contributor Getty Images) The mysterious Marilyn Monroe on the set of "Niagra" in 1952. (Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Image) In 1954, Marilyn Monroe married New York Yankee and center fielder, Joe DiMaggio at the San Francisco City Hall. They divorced in 1955.  (Bettman / Contributor) Marilyn Monroe riding an elephant in costume for a Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden. (Bettman / Contributor Getty Images) Marilyn Monroe in a red gown with black gloves in 1955.  (Gene Lester/Getty Images) Marilyn Monroe was a fashion icon and the dresses she wore are still recognizable today. Here, she is featured in an Idaho potato sack dress, a look that landed her an actual sack full of potatoes by a farmer as a ‘thank you' for the publicity. ( Earl Theisen/Getty Images) Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926. She died on August 4th, 1962, at 36 years old, a few months after her "Happy Birthday" performance. The controversy surrounding her death is still a top headline today. (Bettmann / Contributor Getty Images)