Why Marilyn Monroe Hated Wearing a Girdle: ‘She Was Real’ Says Longtime Friend (Exclusive)

As the world prepares to commemorate what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, James Haspiel, an early admirer and longtime friend of the star, reflects on his memories and shares rare photographs from his personal collection. These insights are captured in an exclusive interview featured in this week’s print edition of PEOPLE, alongside exclusive excerpts from the upcoming book, “Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, The Last Interview”, which includes a notable conversation between Monroe and journalist Richard Meryman.

James Haspiel, now 88 years old, first crossed paths with Monroe in September 1954 when he was merely a teenager. At the time, Monroe was in New York City filming “The Seven Year Itch.” What began as a youthful admiration quickly blossomed into a genuine friendship that allowed Haspiel to gain a nuanced understanding of the woman behind the legendary image.

In his recollections, Haspiel paints a portrait of Monroe as a remarkably genuine individual, contrasting with the glamorous persona she projected on-screen. “Marilyn Monroe was a costume she put on,” he explained. “It was her invention, it gave her success, but in real life, she was Norma Jeane,” referring to Monroe’s birth name. This duality is a central theme in Haspiel’s reflections, as he seeks to highlight the complexities of Monroe’s character beyond the famed blonde bombshell role.

Monroe’s iconic status is often linked to her distinctive hourglass figure, prominently displayed in memorable films such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Some Like It Hot.” According to Haspiel, what set her apart was her unconventional approach to body image during an era when actresses frequently felt compelled to wear girdles to achieve an idealised form. “She was real,” he declared, adding that female audiences appreciated her authenticity which stemmed from her refusal to conform to conventional expectations.

In a time when most actresses adhered to strict beauty regimens, Monroe embraced a different philosophy. Haspiel noted that she enjoyed physical activities such as jogging and weightlifting, maintaining her health in a way that was somewhat unconventional for leading ladies of that era. “Monroe did things other actresses didn’t often do,” he remarked, illustrating her departure from the norm.

Haspiel recalled a particularly striking scene from the 1953 film “Niagara,” where Monroe’s confident stride in a rose-coloured dress allows her natural silhouette to shine through. He pointed out that any attempt to constrict her figure would have muted the very essence that made her captivating. This authenticity was frequently overshadowed by media scrutiny surrounding her fluctuating weight, a struggle often linked to her battle with endometriosis.

The pressures of public life took their toll on Monroe, culminating tragically in her untimely death on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36. Haspiel, deeply affected by her passing, shared, “I cried for two years.” His emotional connection to her was profound, cultivated over their eight years of friendship filled with intimate moments.

Following Monroe’s death, Haspiel found himself approached by numerous publishers eager to chronicle her life story. Initially resistant, he later felt compelled to share his own experiences to counteract what he described as “the lies upon lies” that had proliferated in the media, fostering the mythology surrounding her life. In 1991, he published “Marilyn: The Ultimate Look at the Legend,” featuring many never-before-seen photographs from his personal archive.

Throughout his life, Haspiel forged a path that transcended his famed friendship with Monroe. He found success in various fields, including managing a movie equipment company in Manhattan and briefly working as a police officer in Florida. He also raised a family with his wife Barbara, who sadly passed away, and their two sons, one of whom, Michael, died at a young age.

As the date approaches for Monroe’s centenary on June 1, Haspiel welcomes the opportunity to reminisce about the cherished moments he spent with the film icon. His memories remain vivid, often recalling seeing her for the first time and instinctively thinking of her as “an angel.” He reflects that this impression has never faded over the years.

Fans wishing to explore further into Monroe’s life and legacy can look forward to the release of “Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, The Last Interview” by Richard Meryman, which hits shelves on May 12. The book promises to provide fresh insights into her story, aided by Haspiel’s remarkable collection of photographs, ultimately keeping the spirit of Marilyn Monroe alive for future generations.