Even Marilyn Monroe's Biggest Fans Probably Haven't Seen These Vintage Photos

The iconic blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe, rose to fame in the 1950s, becoming one of America's favorite actresses and most beloved blondes, during which she was photographed often, blessing the world with some stunning Marilyn Monroe vintage photos through the years.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson (baptized Norma Jeane Baker) in California, she was in and out of foster homes growing up because her mom and both maternal grandparents were committed to mental institutions, according to The History Channel. At 16, Norma Jeane married one of her neighbors, James Dougherty, who later joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South Pacific during the Second World War. While she was working in a munitions factory, a photographer "discovered" Norma Jeane and soon after, her career as a model took off. A few years later, she signed a film contract with 20th Century Fox.

Decades after her death in 1962, Marilyn Monroe continues to be a pop culture icon for her more widely known photos, like Marilyn in the white dress blowing up over the grate or posing in the pink Gentlemen Prefer Blondes gown), but there are thousands of gorgeous vintage photos of Marilyn Monroe that you haven't seen on dorm room posters a zillion times before.