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Hollywood marked what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday on Monday, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of cinema's most iconic stars. Decades after her untimely death, the city buzzed with tributes to the blonde bombshell, cementing her status as an unforgettable Hollywood figure.

"When you think of Hollywood, you think of Marilyn," said tour guide Lacey Noel on the Walk of Fame. "There's some sort of beautiful, mysterious, and captivating aura that she has that will never go away." Fans gathered at the historic Chinese Theatre, where Monroe's handprints are preserved, to sing "Happy Birthday," a nod to her legendary serenade to President John F. Kennedy. A display of one hundred roses and a cake honored the star, symbolizing Hollywood's golden age.

The Academy Museum kicked off tributes on Sunday with the opening of "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon." This exhibit showcases hundreds of original items, including her famous pink dress from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," and will host special screenings of her films throughout June. The exhibit runs until February 2027.

Further celebrations include Julien's Auctions' "100 Years of Marilyn" sale on June 4, featuring nearly 200 pieces of Monroe memorabilia. The collection includes unpublished photographs, notes from her final production script, and personal effects like handwritten recipes and her lipstick.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, Monroe endured an unstable childhood before finding fame. She began her journey in show business after being photographed while working in a factory during World War II. A pivotal decision to dye her brown hair platinum blonde launched her modeling career, leading to a contract with Fox and global stardom by age 30. Behind the scenes, she founded her own production company and attended the prestigious Actors Studio, challenging studio norms.

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When you think of Hollywood, you think of Marilyn. There's some sort of beautiful, mysterious, and captivating aura that she has that will never go away.