Katharine McPhee in Smash

After seeing Katharine McPhee in Smash last night, I think it’s really official: Marilyn Monroe is back in a big way.

The screen legend never really left, but her popularity is even more widespread and publicized now than ever before – in part because today’s Hollywood idols still idolize her.

Here are some of the most recent and most public homages to Marilyn. Which is your fave?
 
 
 
 
 
Megan Fox’s Marilyn Monroe Tattoo

Megan Fox once expressed feeling a connection to the fallen icon, so much so that she got her face permanently etched into her forearm. Or maybe not so permanently – after describing being “over” the tat, Megan’s recently begun undergoing laser treatments to get it removed.

 
 
 
Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn

Earning her another Oscar nod, the adorable and talented Michelle Williams got into character so much to play Marilyn that she sometimes had a hard time going back to her normal life. Word is she actually spoke in Marilyn’s lilting, high pitched tone even when not on set.

 
 
 
Lindsay Lohan’s Marilyn-inspired shoots

Troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe often in photoshoots – some classier than others (we’re lookin’ at you, Playboy!). We’re glad Lindz is cleaning up her act, because as much as we all adore Marilyn Monroe, we don’t want to see anyone else die as tragically young as she did.
 
 
 
Nicki Minaj’s “Marilyn Monroe” song

The Harajuku Barbie leaked a new ballad off her upcoming Roman Reloaded album yesterday, using quotes from the famous fallen starlet. She, M.I.A., and Madonna also sported her signature blonde coif and red lips in their video for “Give Me All Your Luvin’.”
 
 
 

Madonna almost all the time

Most recently, Madge, M.I.A., and Nicki Minaj channeled Monroe’s classic look in “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” but the Queen of Pop has been channeling the Queen of the Silver Screen for years. In fact, Harvey Weinstein recently referred to Madge as “Marilyn Monroe with women’s emancipation.” Sounds good to us!

 
 
 
James Franco at the Oscars

In perhaps the most bizarre tribute to Marilyn, James Franco donned a pink gown, matching gloves, necklace, wig, and red lips at the 2011 Oscars. Though the skit was widely panned, it sure was memorable – though James wishes it wasn’t. He told Playboy later on, “I was so pissed about that I was deliberately going to fall onstage and hopefully my dress would fall off or something.” Wardrobe malfunction and drag? We’re sure the censors and television critics would have loved that!

 
What did you think of Katharine McPhee’s homage to Marilyn Monroe last night? Are you going to keep watching Smash? Tell me in the comments!

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katharine mcphee in smash

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