Marilyn Monroe 100 Years

Simon O'Donovan
Jun 16
3 min read

Marilyn Monroe 100 Years – CST Activities

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons. Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol of glamour, humour, vulnerability and timeless screen charisma. Even people who have never seen one of her films often recognise her face, voice and unforgettable white dress.

⭐ Facts About Marilyn Monroe

Explore her life from Norma Jeane Baker to global superstar. Learn about her childhood, modelling career, rise in Hollywood, famous marriages, achievements and lasting influence on film, fashion and popular culture.

📸 Iconic Photographs

From the billowing white dress over a subway grate in The Seven Year Itch to glamorous studio portraits by leading photographers, Marilyn’s images have become some of the most recognisable ever taken. Discuss why certain photographs become part of our shared cultural memory.

🎨 Pop Art and Popular Culture

Marilyn’s image inspired countless artists, most famously Andy Warhol’s brightly coloured silkscreen portraits. Her face continues to appear on posters, fashion, advertising and merchandise around the world, making her one of the defining icons of 20th-century popular culture.

💬 Discussion: Why Do Some Stars Become Legends?

Many talented performers fade from memory, while others become household names for generations. Is it beauty, talent, charisma, tragedy, mystery, media attention or simply being in the right place at the right time? Who from today do you think will still be remembered in 100 years?

❓ Marilyn Monroe Quiz

Test your knowledge with questions about her films, songs, famous quotes, marriages, career milestones and enduring legacy. A fun way to spark memories and conversation.

🎬 Marilyn’s Best Movies\

Some Like It Hot (1959) – Often regarded as one of the greatest comedy films ever made, co-starring Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) – A sparkling musical comedy featuring the unforgettable performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
The Seven Year Itch (1955) – Home to the legendary white dress scene that became one of cinema’s defining images.
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) – Marilyn stars alongside Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall in a stylish romantic comedy.
Niagara (1953) – A suspense thriller that showcased Marilyn in one of her earliest major dramatic roles and helped establish her as a major star.

🎵 CST Songs of the Day

Enjoy some of Marilyn’s most memorable performances:

I’m Through With Love – A tender ballad from Some Like It Hot.
I Wanna Be Loved by You – Famous for the playful “boop-boop-a-doop” style that became closely associated with Marilyn.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend – One of the most iconic musical numbers in film history and endlessly imitated.
Happy Birthday, Mr. President – Marilyn’s legendary 1962 performance for President John F. Kennedy remains one of the most talked-about moments in entertainment history.
Candle in the Wind by Elton John – Written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, reflecting on fame, loneliness and the pressures of life in the spotlight before later being adapted in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Discussion Questions

Which Marilyn Monroe film or song do you enjoy the most?
Why do you think people are still fascinated by her a century after her birth?
Can you remember the first time you saw Marilyn Monroe on television or at the cinema?
Which celebrity from your lifetime do you think will still be remembered 100 years from now?