In L.A. this week: George Barris discusses Marilyn Monroe’s last photo shoot

As fans around the world pay tribute to Marilyn Monroe this week on the 50th anniversary of her death, the fascination with the tragic star is never-ending. Countless books continue to be published about her life, including several coffee-table books of photographs this past year by Bert Stern, Lawrence Schiller and Andre de Dienes, who took some of the earliest photos of the aspiring model in 1945.

But it was George Barris who earned the distinction of being the last photographer to have an official photo shoot with Monroe before her death in 1962. Photos from that session along with a selection of never-before-seen images, memorabilia and clothing are currently on display at the Hollywood Museum, where Barris will sign copies of his book “Marilyn: Her Life in Her Own Words: Marilyn Monroe’s Revealing Last Words and Photographs” on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Barris, 90, who was collaborating on a book with Monroe before her death, will talk about his close friendship with the star and his theory of her untimely death.

As always, we recommend that you check with the bookstores and venues listed below for any event changes/cancellations.

7/30, 7 p.m.: “Wild,” author Cheryl Strayed discusses and signs “Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Dear Sugar” Book Soup

7/31, 7 p.m.: Blaine Harden discusses and signs “Escape From Camp 14” Vroman’s 7/31, 7 p.m.: Luis J. Rodriguez discusses his gang memoirs “Always Running” and “It Calls You Back,” Esowon Bookstore

8/1, 7:30 p.m.: Julian Tepper reads from his upcoming novel, “Balls” The Last Bookstore

8/2, 7 p.m.: Author Regina O’Melveny will discuss “The Book of Madness and Cures” Pages: A Bookstore

8/4, 4-6 p.m.: Marilyn Monroe photographer George Barris holds a special book signing at the Hollywood Museum

8/5, 3 p.m.: Lou Beach reads and signs his book of very short stories “420 Characters” at the closing reception of his exhibit, “Lou Beach: Pictures & Stories” Offramp Gallery

8/5, 7 p.m.: Rhapsodomancy Writers Reading evening with Ben Ehrenreich, Grace Krilanovich, Chiwan Choi and Gina Abelkop. The Good Luck Bar