Dive into the tumultuous life of Marilyn Monroe, whose vibrant persona masked deep personal struggles. Explore her rocky marriage with Arthur Miller and the challenges she faced during the making of 'The Misfits.' Hear about her journey back to the silver screen and the emotional turmoil that followed. Delve into the complex theories surrounding her tragic death, intertwined with her relationships with the Kennedy brothers. Discover how fame, loss, and the pursuit of identity shaped her extraordinary yet heartbreaking story.
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Marilyn's Marriage Motivation
Marilyn Monroe married Arthur Miller out of a need to please, not love.
She admitted to not wanting to marry him but went through with it to avoid disappointing guests.
insights INSIGHT
Influences and Loss
During her acting hiatus, Marilyn Monroe was heavily influenced by three men: Lee Strasberg, Arthur Miller, and Milton Green.
She also experienced a pregnancy loss and subsequent emotional distress.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Marilyn in the Park
While on hiatus, a lonely Marilyn Monroe frequented New York playgrounds, observing children.
Mothers recognized her, but treated her with surprising normalcy.
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This biography by Donald Spoto delves into Marilyn Monroe's life using over 150 interviews and 35,000 pages of previously sealed documents. It covers her guarded childhood, relationships, marriages, and her tragic death, debunking myths and conspiracy theories surrounding her life and death. Spoto provides a detailed account of her struggles with identity and the Hollywood system, offering a nuanced portrayal of Monroe beyond the myths.
Marilyn
Norman Mailer
Norman Mailer's "Marilyn" is a biography of Marilyn Monroe, delving into her life, career, and the complexities of her persona. Mailer's writing style is known for its blend of journalistic detail and subjective interpretation. The book explores Monroe's relationships, her struggles with fame, and her tragic death. It offers a multifaceted portrait of the iconic actress, challenging conventional narratives and exploring the psychological dimensions of her life. Mailer's work sparked significant discussion and remains a notable contribution to biographical literature.
Goddess
Anthony Summers
This episode was originally released on March 21, 2017. Listen to help prep for the next episode of our new season, The Old Man is Still Alive.
How did a star whose persona seemed to be all about childlike joy and eternally vibrant sexuality die, single and childless, at the age of 36? In fact, the circumstances of Marilyn Monroe’s death are confusing and disputed. In this episode we will explore the last five years of her life, including the demise of her relationship with Arthur Miller, the troubled making of The Misfits, and Marilyn’s aborted final film, and try to sort out the various facts and conspiracy theories surrounding her death.
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