August 4, 1962: a movie star dies tragically—an event sadly not unknown in Hollywood history. Yet Marilyn Monroe’s untimely passing at the age of thirty-six was worthy of the international headlines it received. It shocked a world that had known her through movies, interviews, photographs, and scandalous headlines: a world which had already made her an icon. Yet the end of the actress’s life was the start of her journey into myth: her status as a symbol of both The American Dream come true… and The American Dream gone horribly wrong.
On the 60th anniversary of her death, cultural historian Amanda Hallay discusses the evolution of Marilyn Monroe’s legend, and why we seem unable to truly say “goodbye” to Norma Jean.
Amanda Hallay is a professor of fashion and cultural history at LIM College, a consultant for the Museo de la Moda in Santiago, Chile, and a consultant for the movie, TV, and gaming industries. She was formerly the European Trend Analyst for The Doneger Group, the International Fashion Editor for Couture and Men Mode magazines, and the Paris correspondent for International Textiles.
