Sam Shaw (1912-1999) was an American photographer and filmmaker best known for capturing some of the most iconic images of Marilyn Monroe. Born in New York City, Shaw began his artistic career as a sculptor and painter before transitioning to photography. He worked as a political cartoonist for the Daily Worker and later as art director for the Brooklyn Eagle. In the early 1940s, Shaw joined Collier’s Magazine as a photojournalist, documenting subjects such as coal miners in West Virginia and jazz musicians in New Orleans. His work was featured in prominent publications like Life, Look, Paris Match, Harper’s Bazaar, and Europeano.
Shaw’s most famous photographs include the 1954 image of Marilyn Monroe standing over a subway grate in The Seven Year Itch, as well as intimate portraits of her in various settings. He also photographed other film legends such as Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Alfred Hitchcock. In addition to his photography, Shaw worked in the film industry, collaborating with directors like Billy Wilder and John Cassavetes. He was involved in producing films where actors created their characters through improvisation. Shaw’s work has been exhibited internationally and is part of important institutional and private collections. His photographic archives cover over 60 years of American history, documenting social essays, film legends and iconic personalities .
