"A sex-symbol becomes a thing, I just hate being a thing. But if I'm going to be a symbol of something I'd rather have it sex than some other things we've got symbols of."

Without any shadow of a doubt there have been more words written about Marilyn Monroe than any other actress. More than 40 years after her tragically young and some would claim mystery shrouded death, she remains the most celebrated of all the sex symbols the world has ever seen and will likely continue to be regarded as the quintessential screen siren for the next forty years or more.

Many have tried to define the appeal of Marilyn Monroe and the quest to discover this particular Holy Grail has inspired as well as confounded authors, artists, songwriters, psychologists and fans alike. But its only in watching her performances that the true magic can be felt and magic should never really be questioned too closely, it should simply be appreciated for what it is. Her life story is long and complicated and her seemingly self-destructive end is an enigma of equal proportions. Neither can be adequately covered in just a few lines, so I won't even attempt it.

She projected an aura of natural charisma and sex appeal in a way that has never been equalled. And plenty have tried! Marilyn was simply one of a kind.