Marilyn Monroe fans dressed as the Hollywood icon descended on Palm Springs, California, on Saturday to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday. The event set a new world record as 1,034 people gathered in the desert town, marking the largest ever assembly of Monroe lookalikes.
A Record-Breaking Tribute
The crowd, many wearing Monroe's signature white dress and platinum blond hair, filled the area near the city's 26-foot-tall Monroe statue. The statue, created by artist Seward Johnson in 2011, depicts the famous subway grate scene from her film The Seven-Year Itch.
Fans from Near and Far
Participants traveled from across the United States and beyond to take part. Among them were fans Lisa Noble, Susan Contreras, and Lori Williams, who posed underneath the Monroe statue. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, frequently visited Palm Springs, as did many celebrities of her era.
The event featured a sea of lookalikes, with fans blowing kisses to the camera, applying lipstick, and taking selfies. Makeup artist Paris Daryaie styled Eva Garcia's wig at the Hyatt hotel, where many participants prepared for the gathering.
A Lasting Legacy
Monroe's legacy continues to captivate audiences decades after her death. The record-breaking gathering in Palm Springs is a testament to her enduring appeal. The event was organized near the Monroe statue, which has become a popular tourist attraction in downtown Palm Springs.
Photographers captured the festivities, with images showing fans in various Monroe-inspired outfits, from the iconic white dress to other classic looks. The celebration highlighted Monroe's impact on popular culture and her special connection to Palm Springs.
