A century after her birth, Marilyn Monroe remains a cultural icon

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - American icon Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 on Monday.

The actress and model died more than six decades ago, but her legacy continues to influence Hollywood and generations of women.

Amanda Konkle, an English and Film Studies professor at Georgia Southern University, has spent years studying Monroe’s career. Konkle also wrote Some Kind of Mirror, a book that examines Monroe’s movie roles and how they reflected the expectations placed on women in 1950s America.

Konkle said Monroe was extremely popular with audiences in the 1950s, but some parts of her story have been lost over time.

“She fought for herself in a time period when it was very difficult for women to stand up for themselves,” Konkle said. “And so, I think this idea of her agency and the way that she is really kind of an overcomer of a lot of obstacles still resonates with women today.”

Behind the glamour, Monroe also faced personal struggles, including divorce and mental health challenges.

As her 100th birthday approaches, some of Monroe’s personal items are being auctioned in remembrance of the cultural icon. But Konkle said one of the best ways to honor Monroe’s legacy is to watch her films, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot.