They like it hot: over 1,000 Marilyn Monroe impersonators gather for Palm Springs Pride
The sunlight bounced off a sea of platinum blonde wigs, while the wind whirled around hundreds of short white dresses, as the Marilyn Monroe lookalikes streamed into the entrance of Palm Springs Pride this 30 May.
Dressed in their finest replicas of the iconic costume from The Seven Year Itch (1955), they stepped across the sun-drenched California pavements, and congregated in the centre of Downtown Palm Springs, USA – creating a crowd of Marilyns so thick you could likely see the glint of their bobs from space.
As part of an epic celebration named Marilyn 100 – hosted in honour of what would’ve been the Hollywood legend’s 100th birthday – the city was attempting the Guinness World Records title for the largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe ever assembled.
The event was linked with a fundraiser to support the 40-year-old Palm Springs Pride organization, and keep the City's November Pride Festival free and accessible to all.
So to show off their love for the star – and to support their community – a record-breaking total of 1,037 participants appeared in the park that day in their best Marilyn dress, ready to accomplish history!
And sure enough, the total crowd far surpassed the organizers’ expectations – allowing Palm Springs to take the title from The Marilyn Jetty Swim Team (Australia), and their turnout of 254 people from February 2020.
“Residents and visitors shared in an unforgettable, historic day for Palm Springs,” said Ron deHarte, President of Palm Springs Pride, the organizer of Marilyn 100. “Marilyn Monroe was far more than Hollywood glamour; she was a courageous ally who stood for authenticity and marginalized communities when it mattered most.
“By celebrating Marilyn's 100th and setting a new Guinness World Records title, we honour that brave spirit and champion the love, representation, and belonging that define our city.”
Home to a 26 ft (7.9 m)-tall Marilyn Monroe sculpture that imitates the subway grate scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955), Palm Springs has always held a connection to the famous actress. In 1949, she was discovered at a local racket club by a talent agent, and throughout her career she would often return to the city, even purchasing a home in the neighbourhood.
Before her death in 1962, Marilyn also was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights – sticking up for her gay friends or other celebrities in the closet, supporting the battle against racial prejudices, and openly speaking up about sexuality.
“When two people love each other, who cares what colour or flavour or religion they are? It’s two human beings. It’s beautiful. Love is beautiful. It’s that simple,” she said, according to Far Out Magazine.
Naturally, then, Palm Springs saw her 100th birthday as the perfect opportunity to celebrate her iconic work and her open-hearted values.
“Marilyn was a trailblazing ally who championed authenticity long before it was fashionable,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, of Palm Springs Pride.
“By stepping into her shoes, our participants are supporting the values of visibility and inclusion that define Palm Springs.”
Ahead of the festivities, the organization informed their community that they would be hosting a five-day celebration downtown between 28 May - 1 June.
They invited interested participants to register in advance, upon which they would be given a Marilyn Icon Kit: featuring the signature pleated white halter dress, the famous platinum blonde wig, and a ticket to the official record-setting event and celebration.
In addition to the record-breaking, attendees also would have the chance to get all dolled up in the Marilyn 100 Boutique – a dressing room drenched in red-velvet, with professional stylists at the ready for all your hair-do needs.
They could also visit a variety of nearby businesses that featured Marilyn-themed entertainment, or the on-site stalls such as the Ted Gibson Beauty Lounge, Destination PSP Merchandise Emporium, and a Billion Dollar Marilyn Lipstick pop-up shop.
Nevertheless, perhaps the largest draw for the event was the massive gathering of Marilyns – and once the participants were assembled, they were eager to know if they had taken the title.
And after quieting the excited crowd, President Ron deHarte was finally able to announce that they successfully welcomed 1,037 properly-dressed lookalikes – allowing the audience to erupt into cheers of joy.
The good news was made all the greater by the fact that organizers reported that $100,000 was raised by the Marilyn 100 celebration, to support the ongoing programming for Palm Springs Pride.
“Major events of this scale are only possible through the generous backing of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, PS Resorts,” added Ron. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Palm Springs Pride volunteers and the incredible leadership of Jasmine Sullivan Waits, who truly did the heavy lifting to bring this together.
“And finally, a special pat on the back to event co-chair Max Dirdah, whose idea sparked this centennial birthday celebration.”
So congratulations to all of these record-setting Marilyn Monroe lovers, as well as anyone who supported Palm Springs Pride – you are now Officially Amazing!