Bruce Dern Recalls Walking Marilyn Monroe Home ‘Across Town’ in the Rain, Only to Run into Another Hollywood Icon on the Way (Exclusive)

Bruce Dern, the celebrated actor, has been a significant figure in Hollywood for over sixty years. His expansive career is highlighted in a new documentary titled “Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern,” which made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20. With stories that span generations, Dern reflects on crucial moments in his life, including his encounters with iconic stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Dern recounted a memorable walk with Monroe during their time at The Actors Studio. The anecdote provides a rare glimpse into the personal lives of Hollywood’s elite during a time when the film industry was experiencing massive changes. As he reminisces, Dern recalls a rainy day in New York City when he emerged from The Actors Studio to find Monroe waiting outside.

Monroe, who was permitted by Lee Strasberg to observe the classes, revealed to Dern that she was unable to accept a role in an upcoming project due to commitments stemming from her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. The film she referenced was “The Misfits,” her final completed work, which featured the legendary Clark Gable. As fate would have it, this conversation led to a significant moment in Dern’s own career, as actress Lee Remick took Monroe’s place in the film “Wild River.”

Dern shared that during their walk through the rain, he offered to hail a cab, but Monroe insisted on strolling across town. Their journey took them nearly three-quarters of a mile until they reached Sutton Place, where Monroe lived. This seemingly mundane outing soon turned remarkable when a cab emerged right as they approached her residence.

A woman hurriedly chased after the taxi and passed by the duo, clearly recognising Monroe. After the encounter, the actress turned to Dern and asked if he knew who the woman was. When Dern failed to identify her, Monroe revealed that it was none other than the elusive Greta Garbo. Dern, with a hint of scepticism, suggested that Garbo might have indeed been aware of Monroe’s identity, but Monroe remained firm in her belief that many established actresses did not recognise her due to their focus on style rather than celebrity.

Reflecting on these cherished moments with Monroe and Garbo, Dern articulated his motivation for participating in “Dernsie.” He believes that stories of such Hollywood legends must be preserved and celebrated. “Somebody’s got to hear about what these folks did,” he emphasised. “We’re never going to have stars like that again.”

The documentary, directed by Mike Mendez and featuring contributions from notable figures such as Laura Dern, Quentin Tarantino, and Alexander Payne, provides an in-depth portrait of Bruce Dern’s life and career, examining not only his work but also the cultural landscape of Hollywood over the decades.

Despite the excitement surrounding its Cannes premiere, “Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern” currently lacks a set release date. However, the anticipation surrounding the film illustrates the ongoing interest in Hollywood’s past and the stories that defined an era.

As Bruce Dern continues to share his experiences with the world, he stands as a living testament to the legacy of a bygone era in cinema. With a life rich in unforgettable encounters and extraordinary tales, Dern’s contributions remind audiences not only of his own talent but also of the vibrant tapestry of personalities that helped shape the film industry.