Greater Palm Springs Pride Hosts Marilyn Monroe Look-Alike Record Attempt

If you are in downtown Palm Springs this weekend, don’t be alarmed if you see a sea of platinum blonde hair. Greater Palm Springs Pride has organized what they hope will be the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes ever seen, in honor of what would be the Hollywood icon’s 100th birthday. Monroe’s life was tragically cut short in 1962. She was found dead in her Los Angeles home at the age of 36 due to probable suicide. The look-alike gathering scheduled for Saturday will attempt to break a Guinness World Record, with organizers hoping to attract 500 volunteers. The previous world record for the most people dressed as Monroe in one location was set in 2020, with 254 look-alikes in Brighton, Australia, according to The Desert Sun. To capture the record-breaking attempt, the crowd of look-alikes will take a photo together starting at around 4:30 p.m., local time. “We've timed it perfectly to catch that golden hour glow, ensuring every ‘snap’ is picture-perfect,” the organizers wrote on the Greater Palm Springs Pride website detailing the event. Participants were given everything they needed to recreate Monroe’s look, including a white dress inspired by the halter-neck gown that lifted in the blonde bombshell’s iconic photograph above a subway grate. Organizers also included a styled platinum-blonde wig, cat-eye sunglasses, and a martini glass to complete the look as part of the $75 registration fee participants paid. Funds from the event will benefit Greater Palm Springs Pride, a nonprofit that promotes awareness of LGBTQ rights. “Marilyn Monroe wasn’t just an icon of glamour; she was a bold advocate for authenticity, compassion, and standing with marginalized communities before it was safe to do so,” organizers said. “With your fabulous support as a '50s bombshell, we will honor her legacy and foster Pride in and respect for LGBTQ communities locally and globally,” the organizers added. The world record attempt will be followed by a free Cher tribute concert. Organizers have also put together several other events throughout the weekend to celebrate Monroe, including film screenings and drag shows. The Independent has reached out to Greater Palm Springs Pride for comment.