There has perhaps never been a bigger sex symbol than Marilyn Monroe.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, after a challenging upbringing that saw her be bounced between foster homes and dropping out of high school at the age of 15.

However, after meeting photographer David Conover in late 1944 in the munitions factory where she worked, Norma Jeane decided to defy her deployed husband and start a career as a pin-up model in January of 1945 - eventually signing with Blue Book Model Agency in August later that year.

The following year, she signed her first acting contract, dyed her hair blonde, and adopted the stage name Marilyn Monroe - oh, and divorced her unsupportive husband in the process.

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Between the years of 1950 and 1953, Monroe would go on to become one of the most recognizable and beloved actresses in history - landing roles in movies like The Asphalt Jungle, Niagra, and Gentleman Prefer Blondes - cementing her role as a sex symbol of the big screen.

Seemingly nothing could derail Monroe's career - from photo scandals to turbulent divorces, Marilyn overcame it all - as she endeared herself to audiences around the world with her gentle voice, soft appearance, and heart-stopping charm.

We've all see Monroe as the blonde Hollywood heartthrob - but here is a selection of pictures that show her in a completely different light.

A Young Marilyn Babysitting Her Friend's Children (1940s):

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A 19-Year-Old Norma Jeane Photographed By William Carroll (1945):

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Monroe Proving She Could Also Pull Off The Brunette Bombshell Look (1946):

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Monroe Plays With A Dog (1950):

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Monroe (Alongside Jane Russel) Plants Her Hands In Wet Cement Outside The Chinese Theater In Hollywood (1953):

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Monroe Performs A Handstand Mid-Way Through A Beach Photoshoot (1953):

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Joe DiMaggio And Marilyn Monroe After Their Wedding At San Francisco City Hall (1954):

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Batter Up! (1954):

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Standing On The Wing Of A US Air Force Thunderjet In Korea, Monroe Speaks With 2nd Lt. Gardner H. Snow About Combat Operations (1954):

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A Panicked Monroe Moments Before The Iconic 'Subway Grate' Scene In Seven Year Itch (1955):

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Secret Wedding To Playwrite Arthur Miller (1956):

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Monroe Being Directed By Sir Laurence Olivier On The Set Of The Sleeping Prince (1956):

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Marilyn Monroe Abandons Press Conference To Wave To Fans From A Window At The Savoy Hotel In London (1956):

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Monroe Shaking Hands With Queen Elizabeth II At The 1956 Royal Film Performance of 'The Battle of the River Plate' In London:

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Marilyn Monroe Enjoying Arthur Miller's Estate Near Roxbury, Connecticut (1957):

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A Candid Moment Between Monroe And Arthur Miller At His Estate (1957):

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Marilyn Monroe Discusses A Film Script With Countess Karen Blixen At A Literary Lunch (1959):

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Monroe sadly passed away at the age of 36 at her Los Angeles home on the evening of August 4, 1962, after a probable suicide.

Despite dying at a young age, Monroe is still remembered to this day as one of the most revolutionary pop culture icons in history, with a fandom that still loves and adores her for her legendary movie roles and revolutionary attitude.

But as these pictures prove, there was so much more to Monroe than what we saw on the big screen.

Rarely seen pictures of Marilyn Monroe showing her as you've never seen her before