Marilyn Monroe was truly an icon of American pop culture. The actress, singer and model was known for her comedy skills and screen presence; however, her sex appeal became her signature. Monroe’s demeanor was notably controversial for its time. She eventually rose to be one of the most popular movie stars of the 1950s. Revered as a legendary Hollywood star, she is idolized throughout the world as a silver screen sex goddess. Today, celebrity women continue to imitate Monroe’s style, fashion and elegance, but few come close to the uniqueness of her stunning beauty and charming personality.

Madonna

Madonna has often said “to have been inspired” by Marilyn Monroe. Early in her career, she admitted in some interviews that she grew up idolizing the star. Madonna’s music video for “Material Girl” recreated Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, a number from the 1950s movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. The pop icon copied Marilyn’s pink gown and mimicked the intricate choreography as homage to her idol’s distinctive look and unique flirtatious attitude. In 1992, Madonna did a parody of Marilyn’s birthday song to President Kennedy during a Saturday Night Live episode.

Christina Aguilera

In her recent “Ain’t no other man” video, Christina Aguilera imitates Marilyn Monroe. The video is set in the 1950s with credits written in a retro font. Aguilera steps out of a car, cleverly labeled Baby Jane (as a reference to Bette Davis), dressed in a sparkling white dress topped off with a vintage hat set over her curly, blonde hair. Her next outfit features fur and a lot of extravagant jewelry, a clear reference to glamorous women in the 1950s, most notably, Marilyn Monroe. Like the video for “Moulin Rouge”, Christina Aguilera continues to commemorate the daring women who paved the road for her own work.

Lindsay Lohan

In an interview, Lindsay Lohan stated her desire to entertain the troops in Iraq. The singer said she was inspired by the late Marilyn Monroe who entertained the troops during the Korean War. “I wanted to do what Marilyn Monroe did, when she went and just set up a stage and did a concert for the troops all by herself. It’s so amazing seeing that one woman just going somewhere.” Lohan’s controversial style of videos has kept media buzzing since her first album release. Along with other singers, she clearly admires the unique style and level of controversy that Monroe thrived on.

A birthday song like no other

Marilyn Monroe famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy in 1962. The song and the video of the singer’s performance is a rare one that many generations have come to recognize. In fact, the song is often referenced in popular culture., It was presented at Prince Charles’s 50th birthday celebration in 1998. Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell parodied Monroe’s performance while changing the lyrics to “Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness”.

Marilyn Monroe set a trend that had never been seen before. She used her artistic talent and sex appeal to seduce the world. She initiated a craze that has revolutionized the music and acting industries. Modern entertainers of today continue to imitate Marilyn Monroe’s style because it worked then and it works now. Monroe once said that her great ambition was “to have people comment on my fine dramatic performances”. As she continues to be remembered and impersonated, her legend lives on. It is clear that her wish has come true.