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Lot #694
Marilyn Monroe Signed Photograph as "Norma Jeane" (Ca. 1946)

“Lovingly, Norma Jeane”—rare circa 1946 pre-fame publicity of the future Marilyn Monroe

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Description

“Lovingly, Norma Jeane”—rare circa 1946 pre-fame publicity of the future Marilyn Monroe

Beautiful vintage circa 1946 matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of a young Marilyn Monroe from an early publicity shoot, signed and inscribed in black ink in her uncommon non-cursive hand, “To Lottie and Bryan, lovingly, Norma Jeane.” In fine condition, with a trivially small tear to the top border, and poor signature contrast.

When she signed this photo, "Norma Jeane" was in the early stages of becoming 'Marilyn Monroe.' In August 1946, she had signed a half-year, $125-a-month contract with Twentieth Century-Fox. Shortly after signing, the starlet met with Fox executive Ben Lyon, who loathed the young actress's name and suggested 'Marilyn'—after 1920s performer Marilyn Miller—as a new moniker. For her part, Norma Jeane suggested her mother's family name, Monroe. Lyon liked the alliteration of Marilyn Monroe, and an immortal legend was born.

Auction Info






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