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

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

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The American actress and model Marilyn Monroe wearing a bathing suit and lifebuoy for advertising, circa 1940.

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Norma Jeane Baker, future film star Marilyn Monroe, tries her hand at sand skiing, circa 1943.

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Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in 1947.

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Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait in a bathing suit, circa 1948.

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Marilyn Monroe smiling next to a Los Angeles road sign.

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Marilyn Monroe reading an L.A. telephone directory near the Los Angeles city limits, circa 1947.

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Marilyn Monroe raises her legs in the air and assumes a yogic exercise position, circa 1948.

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Marilyn Monroe in Los Angeles circa 1948.

1950s

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Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait, circa 1950.

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Marilyn Monroe photo session at Hollywood agent Johnny Hyde's backyard on May 17, 1950, in Beverly Hills, California.

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Marilyn Monroe wearing heels and a bathing suit, plays around with two male friends at a pool in Hollywood, California, in 1950.

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Marilyn Monroe photo session at Hollywood agent Johnny Hyde's backyard on May 17, 1950, in Beverly Hills, California.

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Marilyn Monroe, pinup photo, speaking on a telephone and reclining against a mirror, in 1950.

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Marilyn Monroe frolicking on the beach near her Hollywood home during a break from filming, circa 1950.

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Marilyn Monroe, circa 1950.

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Marilyn Monroe puts on a pair of high-heeled sandals by a swimming pool, circa 1951.

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Marilyn Monroe kneeling in a chair in a two-piece polka dot bathing suit, circa 1951.

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Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait on the backlot of 20th Century-Fox in 1951 in Los Angeles, California.

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Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait on the backlot of 20th Century-Fox in 1951 in Los Angeles, California.

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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.

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Marilyn Monroe stands next to a swimming pool in a strapless swimsuit and high heels, circa 1951.

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Marilyn Monroe poses for a portrait on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, circa 1951.

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Marilyn Monroe poses while standing inside an oversized nylon Christmas stocking beside a fireplace, 1951.

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Marilyn Monroe, circa 1951.

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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.