Rarely seen Marilyn Monroe photos

Screen siren Marilyn Monroe is celebrated for her many faces, from barefoot starlet to sexy fashion icon.

Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, the actress overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the world’s biggest and longest enduring sex symbol.

During her career, Monroe's films grossed more than US$200 million. She died of a drug overdose on August 5, 1962, when she was only 36.

Here, we have compiled some of the Hollywood’s favorite blonde’s iconic photos.

Monroe at the Henrietta award party at the Club Del Mar. Photo: Loomis Dean—Time Life Pictures.

A rare (undated) photo of Monroe lounging in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Photo: Ed Clarke—Time Life Pictures.

Monroe snuggles into her fur coat to escape the icy winds at La Guardia airport in New York City in 1959. Bettmann—Bettmann/CORBIS