Amid the grand events planned for America’s 250th birthday, another milestone is drawing attention. Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday is celebrated worldwide with various tributes and exhibitions.
President Trump’s event marks America’s anniversary with a controversial flair. The South Lawn hosts a UFC event as part of the festivities. Trump channels funds from a bipartisan event into a personal celebration of his achievements. Calling the showmanship ‘bigger than Elvis,’ Trump’s approach to the day contrasts markedly with other celebrations.
L’Etat, c’est moi!
In contrast, Marilyn Monroe’s centennial is celebrated through a series of global events. Paris hosts a prestigious exhibition called ‘Cent Ans de Fascination’ at a film museum. London’s National Portrait Gallery presents a dedicated show. Japan contributes with a concert, while the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in L.A. showcases her costumes and personal items. Palm Springs features a look-alike contest with diverse participants celebrating the icon’s legacy.
Monroe is remembered not just for her public persona but for her resilience. Marilyn, born as Norma Jeane Mortenson, overcame a difficult childhood. Her experiences with a mentally ill mother, an absent father, and abuse in foster care shaped her early life. In Hollywood, she faced further challenges, including professional exploitation and tumultuous relationships.
Her journey from the 1948 Castroville Artichoke Queen to a global icon reflects her indomitable spirit. Marilyn reinvented herself, crafting a glamorous image that masked her deeper personal struggles. She once remarked that ‘Marilyn’s like a veil I wear over Norma Jeane.’ Her life, much like Sugar Kane from ‘Some Like It Hot,’ often involved navigating hardships.
Despite her trials, Marilyn’s centennial celebrates her lasting impact on culture and the love she sought during her life.
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