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A Visual History Of Marilyn Monroe As A Pin-Up Icon

These historic photos show Monroe removed from her film roles, looking sexy as hell.
By 

Arts and Culture Reporter, HuffPost

20th Century-Fox/Getty Images

Norma Jeane Mortenson was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Twenty years later, she adopted the name Marilyn Monroe, and catapulted to an unparalleled level of superstardom.

In her all too brief lifetime, Monroe seduced the world -- no small feat. And even over 50 years after her death, her iconic image remains emblazoned in our memories. Often in red lipstick.

Below is a brief visual tour through the vibrant life of Ms. Monroe -- largely removed from her movie roles. From staged pin-up photos to candid shots goofing around by the pool, the following images follow Monroe from her early forays into modeling to her reign as America's most renowned sex symbol. If there's one thing the 39 photos make abundantly clear: Monroe was not just famous, she was a star.

Get lost in the beauty of Marilyn Monroe below:

1940s
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
The American actress and model Marilyn Monroe wearing a bathing suit and lifebuoy for advertising, circa 1940.
Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Norma Jeane Baker, future film star Marilyn Monroe, tries her hand at sand skiing, circa 1943.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in 1947.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a bathing suit, circa 1948.
Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe smiling next to a Los Angeles road sign.
John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe reading an L.A. telephone directory near the Los Angeles city limits, circa 1947.
John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe raises her legs in the air and assumes a yogic exercise position, circa 1948.
John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe in Los Angeles circa 1948.
1950s
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait, circa 1950.
Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe photo session at Hollywood agent Johnny Hyde's backyard on May 17, 1950, in Beverly Hills, California.
KM Archive/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe wearing heels and a bathing suit, plays around with two male friends at a pool in Hollywood, California, in 1950.
Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe photo session at Hollywood agent Johnny Hyde's backyard on May 17, 1950, in Beverly Hills, California.
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, pinup photo, speaking on a telephone and reclining against a mirror, in 1950.
L J Willinger/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe frolicking on the beach near her Hollywood home during a break from filming, circa 1950.
Röhnert/ullstein bild/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, circa 1950.
Archive Photos/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe puts on a pair of high-heeled sandals by a swimming pool, circa 1951.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe kneeling in a chair in a two-piece polka dot bathing suit, circa 1951.
Earl Theisen/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait on the backlot of 20th Century-Fox in 1951 in Los Angeles, California.
Earl Theisen/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait on the backlot of 20th Century-Fox in 1951 in Los Angeles, California.
Earl Theisen/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait next to a 1950 Pontiac Chieftain on the backlot of 20th Century-Fox in 1951 in Los Angeles, California.
Archive Photos/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe stands next to a swimming pool in a strapless swimsuit and high heels, circa 1951.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, circa 1951.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses while standing inside an oversized nylon Christmas stocking beside a fireplace, 1951.
ullstein bild/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, circa 1951.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a black bathing suit and high heeled shoes to publicize the release of her film 'Love Nest' on October 10, 1951.
ullstein bild/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, circa 1952.
ullstein bild/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, circa 1952.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait, circa 1952.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a bathing suit and high heels, circa 1952.
Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe posing for the advertising of Pirelli swimwear. Found in the collection of Fondazione Pirelli, circa 1952.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait holding on to a rope wearing a blue bathing suit and glass high heels, circa 1952.
Apic/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe in California, circa 1953.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Actress Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a bathing suit and high heels, circa 1953.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a bathing suit and high heels, circa 1953.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a bathing suit with high heels, circa 1955.
GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images
A Marilyn Monroe 1955 calendar.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait reclining on a diving board wearing a bathing suit, circa 1956.
1960s
ullstein bild/Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe, circa 1961.

Correction: An earlier version of this post included a photo of Luana Lee accidentally. We have removed the image and regret the error.

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