1. Marilyn Monroe
The Mmmmmmmmm Girl. Marilyn Monroe is, and more than likely always will be, the most famous actress in American and global cinema. Her striking image, accompanied with her sensual allure before the camera has exceeded generational and cultural boundaries to make her an effervescent object of desire for both sexes the world over. Monroes image typifies the A-list stereotype; oozing with glamour and an animal magnetism that made her charm offensive impossible to ignore. Since her mysterious death on August 4th, 1962, many actresses have tried and failed to imitate her and match her appeal, which is a testament to the capabilities of Monroe, who, in spite of her dumb blonde charade, knew exactly how to market herself. Unlike her contemporaries in Veronica Lake and Audrey Hepburn, Monroe brought a simmering sexuality that was alarming in its nature, and although she may not have been the most naturally beautiful, it was her character that would dominate the headlines and put her on another level above her competitors. It was an almost primitive sex appeal that made her controversial in an age when apparent and unwavering lust was considered an outrage by many. She was not afraid of making a headline splash, or rousing a debate amongst many a prudent sewing circle, and for a period she was the biggest screen personality, her stature enabling her to measure up with the strongest of male performers of that era. The public fascination with her has resulted in her being the subject of more books than any other show business celebrity, and her potency made her
the female icon of the 20th century; not bad for a girl from humble and tumultuous beginnings in Los Angeles. In fact, her familial trauma and despair from a young age would inspire her to make something of herself, a common trait in the acting business, though it would always leave a permanent mark on her psychological wellbeing, a topic which has been written about endlessly over the years. Amongst the sex scandals, the nude photos, the high-profile relationships, and the hyperbolic stories of mood wings on movie sets, many failed to recognise the genuine talent Monroe had during her lifetime. The amorous wantonness she courted will forever be the prominent memories people have of the actress, but in the professional world of acting and performance art she is recognized as a fine talent, who had a natural instinct for comedy and comic timing. Monroe learned her craft at the Actors Studio for a period under the tutelage of acting guru Lee Strasberg, who said that apart from Brando, Monroe was the most talented student he ever came across. During her career she always desired to be taken more seriously and to not simply be a trophy or a fantasy; she took her profession very earnestly and as her appeal waned in her twilight years she was left rocked by the fickleness of fame, her attraction no longer the talk of every town in the United States. Sadly for many actresses, once their looks have begun to fade their artfulness is often forgotten, providing that it has been recognised in the first place, such is the presence of sexism in Hollywood. Monroess death is still hotly debated, some say it was murder, some say it was suicide, others believe it was just a tragic accident that fell upon a troubled woman in a lonely world, and the incident seemingly will be embroiled in mystery for eternity. Her quotes, as well as her image, are peppered over the internet, and although many of them were humorously self-effacing, there are some that speak volumes about the true Monroe, beneath the sparkle and the wonderment: A sex symbol becomes a thing. I just hate to be a thing.