Marilyn Monroe in 1957: More Than Just a Hollywood Star
Discover a rare side of Marilyn Monroe in 1957—beyond the fame and beauty, she was chasing respect as a serious actress and shaping her legacy.
The Real Marilyn Monroe: Behind the Glamour of 1957
By 1957, Marilyn Monroe was more than just a Hollywood beauty—she was a worldwide icon. Known for hit films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch, she had millions of fans who adored her charm and style.
But behind the spotlight, Marilyn was looking for something deeper. She wanted to be taken seriously as an actress.
That same year, she married famous writer Arthur Miller and moved to New York City. There, she began studying method acting at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. Marilyn was determined to grow as a performer and prove that she was more than just a pretty face.
She also starred in The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier. It was a big step in showing the world that she had real acting talent.
During this important time in her life, photographer and close friend Sam Shaw captured a different side of Marilyn. In the summer of 1957, he took a series of natural, personal photos of her at Amagansett Beach in New York.
These weren’t the usual glamorous Hollywood shots. Instead, they showed a thoughtful and free-spirited Marilyn—laughing, relaxed, and deep in thought. It was clear she was at a turning point in her life, finding her true self beyond fame.
Just two years later, in 1959, Marilyn delivered what many call her best performance in Some Like It Hot, proving she was a talented actress—not just a screen goddess.
Sam Shaw’s 1957 photos remain a rare look at the real Marilyn Monroe: not just an icon, but a dreamer with big goals and a strong heart.
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