Marilyn Monroe’s Centennial Celebrations Across the Globe

Maureen Dowd writes about two big celebrations. One involves President Trump’s party for America’s 250th birthday at the White House. This event is characterized by a metal structure for UFC cage fights and a Trump-centric rally after most celebrities dropped out. Trump’s 80th birthday sees him redirecting funds meant for a national celebration to a personal one, reminiscent of the statement, ‘L’Etat, c’est moi.’

The spotlight, however, shifts to a global celebration of Marilyn Monroe’s centennial. This features an exhibition titled “Cent Ans de Fascination” at a Paris film museum, a show at London’s National Portrait Gallery, a concert in Japan, and a display of Monroe’s costumes and personal artifacts at L.A.’s Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Additionally, Palm Springs hosted a joyous look-alike contest featuring Marilyn enthusiasts of all demographics around the “Forever Marilyn” statue.

The iconic blonde, who once famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy in a memorable public moment, is celebrated extensively this year. Norma Jeane Mortenson, Monroe’s real name, faced adversity early in life, including an absent father, a mentally ill mother, multiple foster homes, and exploitation in Hollywood. Her marriages to famous men often faced challenges due to her fame, and she endured insensitivity from notable figures such as the Kennedy brothers.

Initially crowned the 1948 Castroville, Calif., Artichoke Queen, Norma Jeane transformed into Marilyn Monroe, a persona that masked her deeper emotional scars. Monroe herself once remarked, “Marilyn’s like a veil I wear over Norma Jeane.” Her foster parents would send her to the cinema to get her out of the house, where she dreamed of being cherished. In a manner akin to her character Sugar “Kane” Kowalczyk in “Some Like It Hot,” Monroe often ended up with less than she deserved.