In a poignant reflection ahead of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday on June 1, a new book titled “Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, The Last Interview,” offers an intimate portrayal of the iconic actress through her own words. Compiled by journalist Richard Meryman and featuring photographs by Allan Grant, the book includes Monroe’s final interview, conducted just weeks before her untimely death in August 1962 at the age of 36.
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Monroe’s conversation with Meryman took place during the summer of 1962, a time when she was grappling with the complexities of fame and her public persona. “You know, most people really don’t know me,” she expressed during their discussion. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Baker, sought to reveal her true self, stating, “That’s the trouble — a sex symbol becomes a thing. I just hate to be a thing.”
The stark contrast between Monroe’s captivating public image and her private struggles is a recurring theme in the book. Her journey from a challenging childhood spent in orphanages and foster homes to becoming a globally recognised symbol of glamour is chronicled with thoughtful insight. At just 18, while working in a munitions factory, a chance encounter with an Army photographer led her to model, marking the start of her transformation into the Hollywood star everyone came to know.
The Life magazine interview featuring Monroe appeared in the August 3, 1962 edition, and her death occured just two days later under tragic circumstances attributed to acute barbiturate poisoning, officially deemed a “possible suicide.” The circumstances surrounding her death have spurred countless speculations and theories over the decades, leaving an indelible mark on her legacy.
The book not only includes the entirety of her Life magazine interview, but also displays a selection of her final photographs, many previously unseen. Among Monroe’s friends, James Haspiel, now 88, notes the distinction between the persona she crafted and the realities of her existence, saying, “Marilyn Monroe was her invention. It gave her success, but in real life, she was Norma Jeane.”
Within the pages of the book are reflections on Monroe’s childhood aspirations, her experiences with the fame she garnered, and her thoughts on being a sex symbol. “I decided I wanted to be an actress when I was five,” Monroe recalled, describing how her foster parents would send her to the cinema. “I’d sit all day and way into the night… and I loved it.”
On the subject of fame, she drew a parallel to luxury: “It’s like caviar. It’s good to have caviar, but if you had it every damn day, you know? Too much caviar.” Her candidness extended to her feelings about her connections to others, revealing a reluctance to engage fully with Hollywood’s social scene. “The public scares me, mobs scare me,” she admitted, highlighting her discomfort with the adoration and scrutiny that accompanied her celebrity status.
In one of the more memorable recollections, Monroe reflected on her performance for President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in May 1962. “I thought, I’ll sing this song if it’s the last thing I ever do,” she recounted, emphasising not only her dedication to her craft but also her personal connection to the event.
The book also delves into Monroe’s relationships and the dissonance she experienced between her public persona and private life. Reflecting on her roles as a wife and stepmother, she stated, “Sometimes I think all I’ve ever wanted in the world is to settle for being a happily married woman with a wonderful family.” Yet, she acknowledged that such dreams often came with compromises, especially concerning her fame.
The final chapters of Monroe’s life are revisited through Meryman’s memories, including a poignant moment when he visited her post-interview. “She was barefooted, wearing a robe, and had not yet washed off last night’s mascara,” he recalled. The image depicts a woman who, despite her glamour, also encountered vulnerability and solitude.
“Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, The Last Interview” aims to portray not just the glitzy exterior associated with Monroe, but also the nuanced and often troubled individual behind that public façade. Scheduled for release on May 12, it stands as a testament to the complexity of Monroe’s character, a longing for acceptance, and the unfulfilled dreams of a woman who continues to captivate the public imagination to this day.
As the world prepares to commemorate her centenary, this collection offers a rich exploration of Monroe’s enduring legacy, showcasing her in a light that strives to encapsulate both the star and the woman.