bombshell noun
1. bomb
2. any shocking surprise
3. something which arouses great interest or excitement; sensation; specif., a woman with remarkable sex appeal, typically one who is blond and buxom. Source: www.yourdictionary.com

This definition makes it clear why Marilyn Monroe was called “the Blond Bombshell.” Although other “bombshells” have come and gone since her glory days in the 50s and 60s, she still holds a special place in America’s heart—as a glamorous actor, comedian, singer, and sex symbol. Marilyn Monroe photos are highly collectible, and posters and prints of the Blonde Bombshell are still top sellers. Recently, a 47-minute candid segment of film shot on the set of “The Misfits” sold at auction for $60,000.

Marilyn Monroe’s photogenic beauty was discovered when she was 16 and working at a munitions factory in Los Angeles. Soon she landed a modeling contract, which eventually led to a photo lay-out in the first edition of Playboy magazine in December 1953. Her friend, Andy Warhol, was also captivated by her, and his pop art prints of Marilyn have been quite popular and very collectible for decades.

After several minor roles, she finally began to make her mark on American films as the ditzy receptionist in “Monkey Business.” Her movie list is a long one, but she is best known for “Some Like It Hot,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “How to Marry a Millionaire,” and “The Seven Year Itch” with its famous skirt-blowing scene. (Posters.com has a great selection of this memorable photo along with a huge portfolio of Marilyn Monroe prints and posters.)

“The Misfits,” filmed in 1961, was the last movie that Marilyn—and her co-star Clark Gable—lived to complete. Gable died of a heart attack eleven days after the filming was finished, and within a year and a half Marilyn died in her sleep from an overdose of drugs.

Today, people still speculate about the cause of her death, and conspiracy theories are still bandied about. Nevertheless, Marilyn Monroe continues to win the adoration and devotion of movie fans around the world. She was more than a Hollywood legend; by the end of her short life, Marilyn had become a cultural icon.

“Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.” –Marilyn Monroe