Brunette, nineteen-year-old, newly-signed model Norma Jeane poses for Hollywood photographer Richard C. Miller in 1946. She is fresh-faced and… not exactly shy, but as she splashes in the California surf adorned with only a slather of ruby lipstick, the sultry, dazzling image associated with the tragic starlet seems far in the future. The photographer nicknames her Nonnie. Later, in 1958, they meet again on the set of Some Like It Hot. He doesn’t know how to address her.
Check out these rare, full color photographs in our slide show and see the young, pre-bombshell actress on the brink of stardom — in braids, on a bike, with a puppy — before they get snagged up at Heritage Auctions on July 29.
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions
Richard C. Miller, Courtesy Heritage Auctions