Unknown facts about the iconic blonde Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood star, captured the hearts of millions with her timeless beauty and captivating performances. While many are familiar with her birth name, marriages, and on-screen portrayal of the glamorous blonde bombshell, there are several lesser-known aspects of her life that deserve attention. In this article, we shed light on six intriguing facts that you probably didn't know about Marilyn Monroe. This is prepared by SSP.
1. Overcoming Adversity
Monroe's enchanting breathy voice, often associated with her charm, originated as a strategy to conquer a childhood stutter. Through the guidance of a speech therapist, she honed this unique style, eventually becoming one of her distinguishing qualities as an actress and singer. Curiously, during the filming of her final movie, Something's Got to Give, her stutter resurfaced, presenting challenges and leading to her dismissal from the film by 20th Century Fox.
2. The "Lady of the Evening"
It may come as a surprise, but Marilyn Monroe was initially considered for the iconic role of Holly Golightly in the 1961 film adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Truman Capote, the author of the novella, regarded Monroe as his top choice. However, her acting advisor, Paula Strasberg, discouraged her from portraying a lady of the evening, which ultimately led to Audrey Hepburn being cast instead. Capote expressed his disappointment in the studio's decision, feeling double-crossed by Paramount.
3. The Dazzling Dress
One of Monroe's most memorable moments occurred when she serenaded John F. Kennedy with a seductive rendition of "Happy Birthday" in 1962. The skin-colored, crystal-covered gown she wore was famously tight, requiring her to be sewn into it. The iconic performance left the audience mesmerized as she delivered the breathy rendition of the birthday song. In 1999, Monroe's dress fetched a staggering $1.26 million at auction, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for an item of clothing.
4. Celebrity Collectors
Monroe's legacy extends far beyond her films, as numerous celebrities have preserved mementos associated with her. Mariah Carey acquired Monroe's white baby grand piano, originally belonging to her mother, for $662,500. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger purchased the jeans she wore in the movie River of No Return, citing their great fit and appeal. Additionally, Hilfiger bought a pair of square-toe cowgirl boots worn by Monroe in The Misfits and presented them to Demi Moore. Even Kim Kardashian paid homage to the iconic figure by donning Monroe's famous "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" gown at the 2022 Met Gala.
5. An Unfulfilled Encounter
While Monroe graced the cover of the inaugural edition of Playboy in 1953, the legendary founder, Hugh Hefner, never had the opportunity to meet her in person. Although they briefly spoke on the phone, Hefner's interaction with Monroe was limited. Interestingly, in 1992, he acquired the crypt adjacent to Monroe's resting place for $75,000, expressing his desire to spend eternity alongside the legendary star.
6. The Enigma of her Passing
The mystery surrounding Monroe's untimely death continues to intrigue. Initially ruled as a "probable suicide" due to her struggles with mental health and dependency on barbiturates, new revelations emerged through an investigation by Anthony Summers, a Pulitzer Prize finalist. According to an interview with ambulance company owner Walter Schaefer, Monroe was still alive on arrival but unfortunately passed away during transportation, leading to her body being returned home. This discovery raises further questions surrounding her alleged overdose and adds another layer to the enigma of her tragic demise.