This weekend, downtown Palm Springs may be flooded with a sea of platinum blonde hair as Greater Palm Springs Pride attempts to set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes. The event honors what would have been the Hollywood icon's 100th birthday. Monroe's life was tragically cut short in 1962; she was found dead at her Los Angeles home at age 36 due to probable suicide.
World Record Attempt
Organizers hope to attract 500 volunteers dressed in blonde wigs and white dresses to break the previous record of 254 look-alikes, set in Brighton, Australia, in 2020. The crowd will gather for a group photo around 4:30 p.m. local time to capture the golden hour light. "We've timed it perfectly to catch that golden hour glow, ensuring every 'snap' is picture-perfect," the organizers wrote on the Greater Palm Springs Pride website.
Participant Package
Participants paid a $75 registration fee, which includes a white dress inspired by Monroe's iconic halter-neck gown from the subway grate photo, a styled platinum-blonde wig, cat-eye sunglasses, and a martini glass. Funds raised will benefit Greater Palm Springs Pride, a nonprofit promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
"Marilyn Monroe wasn't just an icon of glamour; she was a bold advocate for authenticity, compassion, and standing with marginalized communities before it was safe to do so," organizers said. "With your fabulous support as a '50s bombshell, we will honor her legacy and foster Pride in and respect for LGBTQ communities locally and globally."
Weekend Events
The record attempt will be followed by a free Cher tribute concert. Other weekend events include film screenings and drag shows. The Independent has reached out to Greater Palm Springs Pride for comment.
