On November 19, 1961, a significant event occurred in the life of iconic Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe. On this day, Monroe filmed what would become one of her most famous and enduring performances: her rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Monroe's appearance at the event was highly anticipated, as she was one of the most popular and glamorous stars of the time. She had been invited to sing at the celebration by Kennedy himself, and her presence was kept a secret until the very last moment.
When Monroe finally took the stage, she was wearing a tight, sheer, flesh-colored dress that was adorned with 2,500 rhinestones. The dress was so form-fitting that Monroe had to be sewn into it backstage. The gown, designed by Jean Louis, would later become known as the "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress and would be sold at auction in 1999 for over $1.26 million.
As Monroe began to sing "Happy Birthday" in her breathy, sensual voice, the crowd of 15,000 people went wild. She sang the song in a slow, seductive manner, adding in extra lyrics such as "Thanks, Mr. President / For all the things you've done / The battles that you've won / The way you deal with U.S. Steel / And our problems by the ton."
Monroe's performance was met with a standing ovation and has since become one of the most iconic moments in American cultural history. It has been parodied and referenced countless times in popular culture, and the image of Monroe in her shimmering dress, singing to the President, has become an enduring symbol of the glamour and allure of Old Hollywood.
Sadly, this event also marked one of Monroe's last public appearances before her tragic death less than three months later, on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36. Her performance at Kennedy's birthday celebration has taken on an added poignancy in light of her untimely passing, and it remains a testament to her enduring legacy as a cultural icon and one of the most beloved actresses of all time.
The "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress has also become a cultural artifact in its own right. It was originally designed as a one-off piece for Monroe to wear at the event, and it is believed to be the most expensive dress ever made for a specific person at the time. The dress was so tight that Monroe had difficulty walking in it, and she had to be helped onto the stage by a team of assistants.
After Monroe's death, the dress was owned by various collectors and was rarely displayed in public. In 1999, it was put up for auction at Christie's in New York City, where it was sold to the late business mogul and collector Martin Zweig for over $1.26 million, making it the most expensive personal dress ever sold at auction at the time.
Today, the dress is owned by Ripley's Believe It or Not! and has been displayed at various exhibitions and museums around the world. It remains a symbol of Monroe's enduring legacy and the glamour and allure of Old Hollywood.
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