Marilyn Monroe Would Have Turned 94 Today: See Rare Photos of the Icon by Milton H. Greene

Stunning photographs of the beloved actress show her at work, in bed and at play

By People Staff
Updated June 01, 2020 08:38 PM
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AN IMMEDIATE FRIENDSHIP

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

Actress Marilyn Monroe first met photographer Milton Greene at a photo shoot for Look magazine in 1953, which led to an immediate connection and the creation of Marilyn Monroe Productions, Inc. The pair's creative partnership resulted in more than 5,000 photographs and two feature films.

Greene earned a reputation as one of the best fashion and celebrity photographers, while Monroe achieved a height of adoration and fame that hasn't been reached since. In The Essential Marilyn Monroe, out Oct. 16, Greene's son Joshua Greene has restored and compiled some of the best photographs ever taken of Monroe in her prime. In these portraits she's captured in different settings (at home, on set, in bed and at play), but there is one common thread: her sultriness and sense of fun.

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BELLA BALLERINA

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

A photo from one of Greene's most famous series of images he took of the actress. "Apparently, the dress was two sizes too small, requiring Marilyn to hold up the front," the book states. "What we love is Marilyn's ability to take it all in stride. It was her sense of humor and deep trust in Milton that made this such an iconic series."

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BLACK CAPE

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

Shot in October 1955.

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RED SWEATER

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

Monroe posed in a red cashmere sweater in July 1955.

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BED SITTING

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

One of a set of a rare series of photos that were taken at studio executive Joseph Schenck's estate.

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THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

From the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl, shot in the summer of 1956. This was the second film that Monroe and Greene collaborated on together. She starred alongside Laurence Olivier.

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NÉGLIGÉE

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

In this shoot Marilyn Monroe wore a negligee and diamond bracelet. In other photos she added fur and lounged on the floor.

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TO THE DOGS

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

A shoot for Look magazine in February 1955, in which Monroe modeled an Asian-inspired gown (and cuddled with some pups).

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IN THE NUDE

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

This photo was taken during a shoot for Look magazine in September 1953. "At the time, many of these photos were considered too risqué for Look magazine, which ended up only publishing a few of the pictures of her sitting on the floor," the book notes.

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PSYCHIC CHIC

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

Monroe dressed as a palm reader after pulling outfits from the 20th Century Fox costume department with Greene, the book explains.

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HOTEL ROOM SESSIONS

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

This candid photo was taken when Monroe came to stay with Greene and his family; he helped her get out of a painfully uncomfortable contract with 20th Century Fox.

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WHITE ROBE

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

A shoot that took place right after Monroe finished doing her makeup.

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BUY IT

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

The Essential Marilyn Monroe trade edition goes on sale on Oct. 16 for $65. See the next slide for information about the limited edition.

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THE LIMITED EDITION

Photographed by Milton H. Greene ©2017 Joshua Greene. Taken from the book 'The Essential Marilyn Monroe', published by ACC Editions

Only 500 copies of the limited edition will be sold. Each contains a letter of authenticity from the Milton Greene estate, as well as a print from either the "Bed Sitting" or  "Négligée Sitting" series. The Essential Marilyn Monroe, limited edition, is valued at $2,000 and will be on sale on Oct. 17.

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