It’s an idea that captures the imagination.
A Long Island beach is honoring what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday on Monday with a special tribute, celebrating the legendary 1949 photo shoot that helped launch her illustrious career.
On Friday, Joe Saladino, the Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, revealed a commemorative plaque at Tobay Beach to honor the Hollywood star’s memorable visit to Long Island.
The plaque proudly states, “Tobay Beach wasn’t just a quiet escape; it was the place where a legend was launched.”
Reflecting on Monroe’s visit, Saladino stood near the spot where the then-23-year-old beauty posed in a stylish swimsuit with an umbrella, remarking that she had come to New York City eager to boost her career.
“We wanted to immortalize this iconic moment for all time,” he explained.
Photographer André de Dienes chose the Nassau County shore “to capture her youth, her beauty and her great personality” at a time that the Los Angeles native “was just starting and getting some minor film roles,” Saladino said.
Monroe, who at the time was still Norma Jean Mortenson, declared, “Let’s make history!” in front of the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves — and soon made good on her vow.
“Hollywood Studios quickly took notice,” Saladino said of the star’s meteoric rise in the 1950s.
“They looked at her youthfulness, her innocence, vulnerability, and her effortless beauty came across vividly through the camera lens.”
Monroe tragically died in 1962 at age 36 of a drug overdose.
