As Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday approaches on June 1, an intimate glimpse into the life of the iconic star is shared by her friend, James Haspiel. At 88 years of age, Haspiel reflects on his extraordinary relationship with the actress, whom many know as the quintessential blonde bombshell. In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, he discusses the woman behind the glamorous image, revealing a kindness and underlying vulnerability that contrasted sharply with her public persona.
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Haspiel’s memories of Monroe date back to 1954, when he, then a 16-year-old, braved freezing temperatures in midtown Manhattan to witness the filming of a now-legendary scene from *The Seven Year Itch*. Standing outside a cinema, he watched as Monroe’s white halter dress was swept up by the gust from a subway grate, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon. “Ooh, do you feel the breeze from the subway?” she famously asked, her playful charm captivating the crowd.
However, Haspiel soon realised that the stunning figure everyone adored was by design. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Baker on June 1, 1926, transformed herself into an emblem of femininity and glamour at 20th Century Fox in 1946. But to Haspiel, her true essence was far from the “costume” the world saw. “The Marilyn Monroe that we knew was just that, a character,” he explains. Instead, he remembers her as a “decent” person who consistently chose the high road, revealing a compassionate side that resonated with him deeply.
Their paths crossed personally in September 1954, shortly before Haspiel attended a screening of *The Seven Year Itch*. Capturing Monroe’s every move through photographs and film, he forged a bond with her that distinguished him from her other admirers. Haspiel became one of the few fortunate individuals allowed to glimpse the real person behind the Hollywood façade.
Monroe’s genuine nature often shone through in her actions. Haspiel recalls witnessing her penchant for helping those less fortunate. In the 1950s, she would venture into the Bowery, a notoriously rough neighbourhood in New York City, to anonymously distribute money to those in need. “She went as Norma Jeane. No makeup. Slacks, no heels,” Haspiel remembers, detailing how she would approach individuals lying on the streets, offering them assistance without seeking recognition for her generosity.
He tells other touching anecdotes, like the time she intervened to save a group of pigeons that boys were planning to sell to a butcher for a mere 25 cents each. Monroe negotiated a deal to buy the birds, simply wanting to free them. “This is who she was,” Haspiel shares, illustrating her nurturing spirit and connection to the world around her.
Following Monroe’s untimely passing on August 4, 1962, Haspiel took on the role of her legacy’s guardian. He grieved her loss profoundly, stating, “I cried for two years.” For years, he resisted opportunities to publish his experiences, prioritising her dignity and wishing for her to rest in peace. However, a shift occurred as he grew tired of the fabrications and commercialisation that accompanied many narratives about her life.
After two decades, faced with what he described as a flood of inaccuracies about Monroe, he chose to speak out. His first book, *Marilyn: The Ultimate Look at the Legend*, published in 1991, was part of a broader effort to set the record straight about his friend and to honour her memory authentically. Haspiel believes that his account, along with a biography by Ralph Roberts’ brother, is one of the few that accurately represents the essence of Monroe.
As her centenary approaches, Haspiel notes the ongoing fascination with Monroe. “There is a child being born today that 15 years from now will fall in love with her,” he muses, indicating her timeless appeal. With an ever-growing number of books, films, and documentaries continuing to celebrate the actress, Haspiel asserts that “Marilyn is very much alive.”
In preparation for her milestone birthday, *Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, the Last Interview*, featuring insights from Richard Meryman and photographs by Allan Grant, is due for release on May 12 and can be pre-ordered globally. As Haspiel reflects on his enduring friendship with Monroe, it becomes clear that the affection for this Hollywood legend remains as vibrant as ever, bringing forward her spirit into a new generation.