The actress would have turned 98 on the 1st June and we look back on some of our favourite on screen moments she featured in.
The reading of the book upside down sequence from How to Marry a Millionaire: we all know just how good at comedy Marilyn Monroe was in her performances in this particular sequence there is so much warmth and vulnerability to the way in which she delivers this character it is hard not to feel affectionate towards her.
Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: this song will be forever remembered for thanks to Monroe’s playful and forthright performance of it in this lavish sequence. She is cheeky, upfront about what she wants and is a really remarkable performance in every way.
The scene in which Joe and Jerry meet Sugar for the first time from Some Like it Hot: the whole film Some Like it Hot is still filled with plenty of charm and no wonder it is considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time. A huge part of this is in the way in which Marilyn just knows how to work the camera and thereby the audience to her advantage – ensuring that all eyes are on her. It is not an easy skill but she made it look effortless.
On a car drive with Cary Grant in Monkey Business: this screwball comedy is a real joy to behold even if it does get a little bit too silly to hold much weight these days. In this film there shows a dignity to Monroe’s acting skills that shows that she was capable of more than she was sadly offered.
By Emma Clarendon