Officials dedicate a historical sign commemorating Marilyn Monroe’s visit to TOBAY Beach, in celebration of what would have been the star’s 100th birthday.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato dedicated a historical sign at TOBAY Beach to commemorate Marilyn Monroe’s visit to TOBAY Beach in celebration of what would have been her 100th birthday. Prior to becoming Marilyn Monroe, the young up-and-coming starlet was Norma Jean Mortenson, looking for her big break. She had been cast in some minor film roles and was looking for her big break into show business.
“In June of 1949, she visited New York City, looking to catapult her career. Her photographer wanted to set up a photoshoot to capture her youth, her beauty and her great personality. For her backdrop, they selected TOBAY Beach!” said Supervisor Saladino. “The photos taken that day were intended to build her portfolio and catch the attention of future casting directors, and that’s exactly what they did.”
As Marilyn and her photographer Andre de Dienes arrived at TOBAY Beach, the overcast and rainy weather suddenly cleared, and they found they basically had the beach to themselves. The beautiful portraits that he captured generated immediate publicity for the young star – with one of the pictures appearing on the cover of a prestigious British magazine. Hollywood studios quickly took notice, as her look of youthful innocence, vulnerability and effortless beauty came across vividly through the camera lens.
By the early 1950s, Marilyn was landing small but influential roles in major films, which further caught the attention of both critics and studios. By the mid-1950s, she had secured her status as the ultimate Hollywood bombshell and officially changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.
“This beautiful location was where history began, right here at TOBAY Beach. Now we will forever memorialize the iconic moment that Marilyn became Marilyn against the beautiful backdrop of our beach,” Supervisor Saladino. “TOBAY wasn’t just a quiet escape, it was the place where a legend was launched.”