New Guinness World Record Set In Palm Springs Honors Marilyn Monroe's 100th Birthday

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The iconic Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 on June 1, and even though she's been gone for over 60 years, her centenarian birthday was celebrated worldwide.

No place did it bigger than Palm Springs.

On Friday, the records management team at Guinness World Records in London formally notified Palm Springs Pride that its application for the "Largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe" was approved, confirming a new Guinness World Records title, with 1,037 participants gathered at 4:59 p.m. on May 30, 2026, in the city to celebrate the late siren's 100th.

The participants were dressed in platinum wigs and replicas of Monroe's unforgettable white halter dress from the 1955 film, "The Seven Year Itch."

The record-breaking gathering took place as part of "Marilyn 100," a five-day celebration held May 28 through June 1. The milestone event brought together Marilyn lookalikes from across the country and around the world.

The event featured entertainment, community celebrations, special appearances and culminated with the successful Guinness World Records achievement.

Palm Springs is known as a destination beloved by the late Hollywood actress. The city even boasts a giant statue of the sex symbol titled, "Forever Marilyn," which captures her famous "Seven Year Itch" moment standing over a windy subway grate, dress billowing.

According to Palm Springs Pride, which organized this year's massive gathering, the achievement shattered the previous world record of 254 Marilyn fans, which was set in Australia in 2020.

"Residents and visitors shared in an unforgettable, historic day for Palm Springs. Marilyn Monroe was far more than Hollywood glamour; she was a courageous ally who stood for authenticity and marginalized communities when it mattered most," said Ron deHarte, president of Palm Springs Pride. "By celebrating Marilyn's 100th and setting a new world record, we honor that brave spirit and champion the love, representation, and belonging that define our city."

Known for playing "Blonde bombshell" characters, Monroe became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s. She was a top-billed actress for a decade, and her films grossed $200 million (equivalent to $2 billion in 2025). Her career was cut short by her untimely death in 1962 at the age of just 36.

The Marilyn 100 event was a fundraiser. According to deHarte, $100,000 was raised to support Palm Springs Pride programming.