See the Stunning Photos from Marilyn Monroe's Last Shoot before They're Auctioned

Hundreds of photos from Marilyn Monroe's last photoshoot with George Barris are up for auction—here are some of the best.
By Liam Berry
August 02, 2017 05:50 PM

1 of 20

Her Last Shot

George Barris

When celebrity photographer George Barris went to L.A. to photograph Marilyn Monroe in June 1962, he didn't know that it would be the last time he would see his friend and longtime collaborator —no one did.

55 years after Monroe's death Aug. 5, 1962, Barris' intimate set of photos, many of which have never been seen before, is going on sale Aug. 2 via online auction house Paddle8.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Rewriting Her Story

George Barris

Over the course of six weeks, Monroe worked with Barris to take photos for a new book in which she hoped to rewrite her story. She desperately wanted to reclaim what she saw as the inaccurate narrative of a troubled, erratic star that led to her firing from the film Something's Got to Give shortly before the photo shoots.

3 of 20

Birthday Girl

George Barris

Barris arrived in L.A just in time for Monroe's 36th birthday on June 1.

Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

4 of 20

Impossible to Forget

George Barris

Barris' photo shoot took place over the course of a few sessions during June and July. In August of that year, Monroe suffered a lethal drug overdose.

Advertisement

5 of 20

Home Away from Home

George Barris

At the time of the shoot, Monroe had just moved into her first home in L.A. but the furniture had not yet arrived. Barris arranged for the interior shots like this one, to be taken in the house of a real estate mogul named Tim Leimert.

6 of 20

Ready for Her Close-Up

George Barris

Monroe's close relationship with Barris led to intimate shots, like this one of the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes star adjusting her makeup in the mirror.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

7 of 20

Always Ready

George Barris

And this one.

Advertisement
Advertisement

8 of 20

Beach Babe

George Barris

The last of the shoots was the beach session, which produced incredible color photos in addition to the black and white portraits.

Advertisement

9 of 20

Marilyn and Her Team

George Barris

For what was suppposed to be her comeback shoot, Monroe brought in her most trusted stylists, Agnes Flanagan (left) and Whitey Snyder (right).

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

10 of 20

No Expense Spared

George Barris

All of the clothes for the shoot were purchased by Barris from Monroe's favorite stores, like Jack's and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

11 of 20

Timeless Beauty

George Barris

Although Monroe was only 36, she was considered old for actresses of the day and was beginning to become eclipsed by younger stars.

Advertisement
Advertisement

12 of 20

Well-Documented Woman

George Barris

Barris had previously released some of the photographs to be used in Gloria Steinem's biography of Monroe, but sold the rest to a collector in the '80s.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

13 of 20

Back in Action

George Barris

The photos, other art and memorabilia are available on Paddle8.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

14 of 20

From Every Angle

George Barris

George Barris' signature sits at the bottom of each photo of the collection.

Advertisement
Advertisement

15 of 20

Having a Blast

George Barris

Monroe and Barris' close working relationship led to incredible shots like this one.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

16 of 20

The Beauty of a Generation

George Barris

Monroe's status as a style icon would only elevate after her death.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

17 of 20

Lounging Around

George Barris

The photographs captured a version of Monroe that seemed totally at ease with her surroundings.

Advertisement
Advertisement

18 of 20

Making Waves

George Barris

The playful side of Monroe wasn't lost in her final shoot.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

19 of 20

Star Power

George Barris

Whether in black or white or full color, Monroe's beauty was radiant.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

20 of 20

Letting Her Guard Down

George Barris

With her most trusted collaborators around her, Monroe appeared unguarded in her final shoot.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Liam Berry