Marilyn Monroe Statue Stolen from Hollywood Landmark

Authorities in Hollywood reported the theft of a statue portraying Marilyn Monroe from the prominent "Four Ladies of Hollywood" gazebo, a public structure standing more than two stories high.

The statue, depicting Monroe in her iconic pose from the 1955 film "The Seven Year Itch," went missing in the early hours of Monday.

Los Angeles Councilman Mitch O'Farrell revealed that a witness observed an individual climbing the structure on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and removing the statue. Los Angeles police investigators recovered fingerprints from the scene as part of their efforts to trace the culprits.

The "Four Ladies of Hollywood" gazebo, erected in 1994, serves as a tribute to influential women in film. The structure features depictions of Dolores del Río, Dorothy Dandridge, Mae West, and Anna May Wong as pillars.

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, passed away in 1962, and the stolen statue commemorates her famous pose from "The Seven Year Itch." The investigation into the theft is ongoing.

Profile

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, became one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of American popular culture. Her life, marked by triumphs and tragedies, captivated the world, and her legacy continues to influence art, fashion, and the entertainment industry.

Monroe's early life was tumultuous. She spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage, facing the challenges of an unstable upbringing. Despite the hardships, Monroe harbored dreams of becoming an actress from a young age. Her journey into the world of entertainment began as a model, and she eventually signed her first film contract in 1946.

Monroe's breakthrough came in the early 1950s when she starred in a series of successful films, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) and "The Seven Year Itch" (1955). Her on-screen presence, combined with her blonde bombshell image, made her a sensation and a symbol of Hollywood glamour.