‘The people made me a star’: 100 years of Marilyn Monroe – in pictures

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane, became a cultural icon whose image inspired artists and photographers for a century. A new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery showcases this enduring influence, highlighting her transformation into a global star. The exhibition features a collection of images that capture her multifaceted persona, from her early Hollywood career to her status as a symbol of glamour and vulnerability. Monroe's impact extended beyond film, influencing fashion, art, and popular culture, solidifying her place as a timeless figure. The collection aims to explore the complex legacy of a woman who navigated immense fame and personal challenges, ultimately becoming a subject of fascination and artistic interpretation.