As part of publicity for the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes which was soon to be released, Marilyn, along with co-star and friend Jane Russell, immortalized themselves in a very Hollywood way by adding their signatures, handprints, and footprints to the courtyard at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard on June 26, 1953.
This is a special moment for any celebrity, following other greats who have their place in that famous courtyard. But for Marilyn, it was extra special, because among her favorite childhood memories were those of going to movies at the Chinese and trying out the handprints and footprints of her favorite stars. She said in an interview that she was often disappointed because her feet were usually bigger than those she tried to fit into.
Marilyn’s block of cement at Grauman’s is, without a doubt, the most popular of all of those in the courtyard. The hands are discolored from so many people fitting their hands into hers when they visit Hollywood.
These vintage photos captured beautiful moments of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell at their imprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard on June 26, 1953.
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