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Marilyn Monroe: The Biography
A biography of the screen legend employs thirty-five thousand formerly sealed documents--letters, diaries, and other papers--to examine virtually every aspect of Monroe's life and death
698 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
561 people are currently reading
3883 people want to read
About the author
Donald Spoto
61 books163 followersA prolific and respected biographer and theologian, Donald Spoto is the author of twenty published books, among them bestselling biographies of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, and Ingrid Bergman. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Donald Spoto earned his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University. After years as a theology professor, he turned to fulltime writing. The Hidden Jesus: A New Life, published in 1999, was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "offering a mature faith fit for the new millennium." His successful biography of Saint Francis was published in 2002.
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July 18, 2018
Published in 1993, Marilyn Monroe: The Biography by Donald Spoto is considered by many to be among the best of the hundreds of books about the enigmatic 20th century actress, model and sex symbol born Norma Jeane Baker in 1926 in Los Angeles and who upon dying there thirty-six years later, left many unanswered questions.
I've read only two other books--My Story by Marilyn Monroe, with contributions by Sidney Skolsky, Ben Hecht and Milton Greene, or Marilyn Monroe by Barbara Leaming--about the star to use as a metric, but this is an excellent biography. I started it shortly after the date of her birth and it took me over a month to finish, shortly before what would be the anniversary of the day she died.
Spoto, who'd written books on Alfred Hitchcock and went on to biographies on James Dean, Audrey Hepburn and other icons, uses 150 interviews and 35,000 pages of previously sealed files, including diary entries and letters, to give a sourced, thorough, and accurate account of both Norma Jeane and her world famous character Marilyn. I took copious notes and learned a great deal about the life of the actress.
Spoto drops the mic with a remarkable epilogue that discredits each hoax or false story generated about Monroe's death, citing who made the claim and how they benefited. I had always assumed the official story: Monroe died of an accidental drug overdose during a period of depression. Drawing on interviews with LAPD officers, pathologists and witnesses, Spoto makes the case that Monroe could not have administered the drug cocktail that killed her, but her psychiatrist Ralph Greenson and housekeeper Eunice Murray, who Greenson had hired to control his own patient, did, in a case of grievous medical malpractice.
My favorite paragraph is found in the "1953" chapter, which covers the production of How To Marry A Millionaire, starring Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall.
Despite Marilyn's idiosyncrasies, even Lauren Bacall, no cheerful martyr to the tardiness of fellow players, had to admit there was "no meanness to her--no bitchery. I liked her. She said that what she really wanted was to be in San Francisco with Joe DiMaggio in some spaghetti joint." Marilyn also endeared herself to Betty Grable, who had been passed over for the role of Lorelei Lee. When Grable's daughter was hurt while horseback riding, Marilyn telephoned frequently, offering help and comfort--"and she was the only person to call," according to Grable. ("Honey," she said warmly to Marilyn one day during production, "I've had mine--now go get yours.")
I've read only two other books--My Story by Marilyn Monroe, with contributions by Sidney Skolsky, Ben Hecht and Milton Greene, or Marilyn Monroe by Barbara Leaming--about the star to use as a metric, but this is an excellent biography. I started it shortly after the date of her birth and it took me over a month to finish, shortly before what would be the anniversary of the day she died.
Spoto, who'd written books on Alfred Hitchcock and went on to biographies on James Dean, Audrey Hepburn and other icons, uses 150 interviews and 35,000 pages of previously sealed files, including diary entries and letters, to give a sourced, thorough, and accurate account of both Norma Jeane and her world famous character Marilyn. I took copious notes and learned a great deal about the life of the actress.
Spoto drops the mic with a remarkable epilogue that discredits each hoax or false story generated about Monroe's death, citing who made the claim and how they benefited. I had always assumed the official story: Monroe died of an accidental drug overdose during a period of depression. Drawing on interviews with LAPD officers, pathologists and witnesses, Spoto makes the case that Monroe could not have administered the drug cocktail that killed her, but her psychiatrist Ralph Greenson and housekeeper Eunice Murray, who Greenson had hired to control his own patient, did, in a case of grievous medical malpractice.
My favorite paragraph is found in the "1953" chapter, which covers the production of How To Marry A Millionaire, starring Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall.
Despite Marilyn's idiosyncrasies, even Lauren Bacall, no cheerful martyr to the tardiness of fellow players, had to admit there was "no meanness to her--no bitchery. I liked her. She said that what she really wanted was to be in San Francisco with Joe DiMaggio in some spaghetti joint." Marilyn also endeared herself to Betty Grable, who had been passed over for the role of Lorelei Lee. When Grable's daughter was hurt while horseback riding, Marilyn telephoned frequently, offering help and comfort--"and she was the only person to call," according to Grable. ("Honey," she said warmly to Marilyn one day during production, "I've had mine--now go get yours.")
April 7, 2022
Marilyn Monroe: The Biography by Donald Spoto is a 2001 Cooper Square Press publication. (Originally published in 1993)
I read biographies and memoirs on a fairly regular basis, but have not read one about Marilyn Monroe. One big reason for that is my wariness about the legitimacy of the facts. Conspiracy theories can be lucrative, and if desperate for money, the temptation to create misinformation for profit can be irresistible. But the damage is impossible to eradicate. All these speculations about Marilyn, her connections to the Kennedy’s or the mob or whatever, prompted this author to do a thorough investigation and a ton of in-depth research to write a book that tells Marilyn’s life story as accurately as humanly possible.
Another reason I chose to read this book was in preparation for the Joyce Carol Oates book- "Blonde" which has been on my TBR list for a long time.
Once I started reading, and since the book is currently in the KU program with added audio, I listened to parts of it, as well, it became obvious the author took his job very, very seriously!!
To say this biography is comprehensive is an understatement. The book moves in strict chronological order, and details both Marilyn’s personal life and her professional one and chronicles all the ups and downs in those segments of her life. The portrait of Marilyn is one of a woman who is dedicated to her craft, smarter than anyone realizes, and could brilliantly drop into character and instantly go from Norma Jean to ‘her'- the created image of Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn was also very insecure, torn by her longing for a true love and children, and still balance a successful career in a time when those aspirations were not encouraged. She was chronically late for everything- work, doctor’s appointments, classes, you name it, which is something I don’t find appealing in a person, but she seemed to have a few hang ups that kept her constantly going over her appearance before she went anywhere. Her drug addictions were, as they were with other actresses, a part of the Hollywood system, where pills were passed out like candy. Marilyn, for someone her age, seemed to also have an awful lot of health problems, on top of everything else.
As everything starts to point to Marilyn’s realization that she needs to make some changes, with the pills, with the doctors, with people in her life, and with the possibility of another chance at love, the unthinkable happens.
As the book heads into the last night of Marilyn’s life, it would indeed seem that there was something very, very wrong. It was so intense, and eerie, but not as everyone seems to think, though. Yes, there was a cover-up, but not the fodder for insane conspiracy theories involving the mob or the government or the Kennedy’s or deliberate suicide. It was a horrible, tragedy and yes, someone should have had to answer for what happened to her.
Overall, I think the author did a really good job with this biography. The book has a little bit of an old school layout- and approach- but there’s nothing wrong with that if it works. There are many, many, many books written about Marilyn, but if you want one of the most trustworthy ones, that covers her entire life and offers a plausible explanation of what really happened to her the night she died, this is the one you want to grab.
4.5
I read biographies and memoirs on a fairly regular basis, but have not read one about Marilyn Monroe. One big reason for that is my wariness about the legitimacy of the facts. Conspiracy theories can be lucrative, and if desperate for money, the temptation to create misinformation for profit can be irresistible. But the damage is impossible to eradicate. All these speculations about Marilyn, her connections to the Kennedy’s or the mob or whatever, prompted this author to do a thorough investigation and a ton of in-depth research to write a book that tells Marilyn’s life story as accurately as humanly possible.
Another reason I chose to read this book was in preparation for the Joyce Carol Oates book- "Blonde" which has been on my TBR list for a long time.
Once I started reading, and since the book is currently in the KU program with added audio, I listened to parts of it, as well, it became obvious the author took his job very, very seriously!!
To say this biography is comprehensive is an understatement. The book moves in strict chronological order, and details both Marilyn’s personal life and her professional one and chronicles all the ups and downs in those segments of her life. The portrait of Marilyn is one of a woman who is dedicated to her craft, smarter than anyone realizes, and could brilliantly drop into character and instantly go from Norma Jean to ‘her'- the created image of Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn was also very insecure, torn by her longing for a true love and children, and still balance a successful career in a time when those aspirations were not encouraged. She was chronically late for everything- work, doctor’s appointments, classes, you name it, which is something I don’t find appealing in a person, but she seemed to have a few hang ups that kept her constantly going over her appearance before she went anywhere. Her drug addictions were, as they were with other actresses, a part of the Hollywood system, where pills were passed out like candy. Marilyn, for someone her age, seemed to also have an awful lot of health problems, on top of everything else.
As everything starts to point to Marilyn’s realization that she needs to make some changes, with the pills, with the doctors, with people in her life, and with the possibility of another chance at love, the unthinkable happens.
As the book heads into the last night of Marilyn’s life, it would indeed seem that there was something very, very wrong. It was so intense, and eerie, but not as everyone seems to think, though. Yes, there was a cover-up, but not the fodder for insane conspiracy theories involving the mob or the government or the Kennedy’s or deliberate suicide. It was a horrible, tragedy and yes, someone should have had to answer for what happened to her.
Overall, I think the author did a really good job with this biography. The book has a little bit of an old school layout- and approach- but there’s nothing wrong with that if it works. There are many, many, many books written about Marilyn, but if you want one of the most trustworthy ones, that covers her entire life and offers a plausible explanation of what really happened to her the night she died, this is the one you want to grab.
4.5
May 20, 2010
After reading that many Monroe fans thought this was the best biography available, I decided to take a look. What moved me to read this was probably nothing more than an interest built up on the fascination I've always had for Marilyn's public persona and the sadness that was always apparent to all. This book is certainly well-researched and thorough, and I appreciate that very much. Yes, there was a lot of detail on people who were not Marilyn, but it felt necessary and useful, to me. Not a lot got left out, even though the author decided to focus more on the second half of her career, and several chapters are dedicated to the days right before and after her death. Spoto makes his position on the Kennedy and mob rumours very clear, and presents the evidence to support it - this was particularly interesting and instructional to me.
After learning so much of her experiences before and during her fame, Marilyn Monroe became to me a nearly caricatural symbol of the sexist mentality she was in at the time, and which affected her so deeply that it became part of who she was. Most things she did - from sleeping with anybody who asked and had a minimal role in her life or career, to being taught that her body was her only worthwhile quality, to actually prostituting herself for food at one point - were a result of this. Her seeming innocence of everything only evidenced the obliviousness of such a position. To me, the fact that she never got to express any sort of art significantly made it all seem even more pitiful.
Overall, even though Spoto's writing attempts to put the appropriate distance between the author and the book's subject, the account never becomes cold, and the most touching aspects of Marilyn's life never lose their poignancy. And despite everything, I found myself rooting for her happiness and getting more depressed knowing how it would doubtlessly end. Despite everything, she was a lovely, lovely human being.
I'm no biography fan; I only read those about people I'm truly interested in. This is a heavy, thorough account of Marilyn's life, and while it was worth it, to me, I can see why some people might find it boring or unnecessarily long. For them, though, I suggest Wikipedia, or Marilyn Monroe fansites.
After learning so much of her experiences before and during her fame, Marilyn Monroe became to me a nearly caricatural symbol of the sexist mentality she was in at the time, and which affected her so deeply that it became part of who she was. Most things she did - from sleeping with anybody who asked and had a minimal role in her life or career, to being taught that her body was her only worthwhile quality, to actually prostituting herself for food at one point - were a result of this. Her seeming innocence of everything only evidenced the obliviousness of such a position. To me, the fact that she never got to express any sort of art significantly made it all seem even more pitiful.
Overall, even though Spoto's writing attempts to put the appropriate distance between the author and the book's subject, the account never becomes cold, and the most touching aspects of Marilyn's life never lose their poignancy. And despite everything, I found myself rooting for her happiness and getting more depressed knowing how it would doubtlessly end. Despite everything, she was a lovely, lovely human being.
I'm no biography fan; I only read those about people I'm truly interested in. This is a heavy, thorough account of Marilyn's life, and while it was worth it, to me, I can see why some people might find it boring or unnecessarily long. For them, though, I suggest Wikipedia, or Marilyn Monroe fansites.
March 23, 2023
I'm torn. This was VERY good and also questionably-researched in sections. Spoto charges in armed to the teeth to fact-check his rival Monroe biographers, then misquotes some of Marilyn's most famous lyrics.
"Speak to me, Harry Winston"? For the love of Google, do better, Donald. Diamonds ranked the 12th best song of the century; the lyrics aren't obscure, so now I've got trust issues about a book full of obscure "facts."
Like nearly every other MM book or documentary, Spoto makes a lot of disparaging claims against MM without backing them up as thoroughly as he demands from his peers. However, he explains the Kennedy situations and events surrounding her death in great detail (and cites carefully), so that portion was refreshingly unsensationalized. Her early years are...iffy. Then again, part of that is due to Marilyn perpetuating so many false stories about herself—often at the studio's behest, of course—orphans sell best!
Ultimately, all Old Hollywood research requires a good bit of reading between the lines from multiple sources. There are more than three sides to every OH story, and everyone who knows the truth is dead.
"Speak to me, Harry Winston"? For the love of Google, do better, Donald. Diamonds ranked the 12th best song of the century; the lyrics aren't obscure, so now I've got trust issues about a book full of obscure "facts."
Like nearly every other MM book or documentary, Spoto makes a lot of disparaging claims against MM without backing them up as thoroughly as he demands from his peers. However, he explains the Kennedy situations and events surrounding her death in great detail (and cites carefully), so that portion was refreshingly unsensationalized. Her early years are...iffy. Then again, part of that is due to Marilyn perpetuating so many false stories about herself—often at the studio's behest, of course—orphans sell best!
Ultimately, all Old Hollywood research requires a good bit of reading between the lines from multiple sources. There are more than three sides to every OH story, and everyone who knows the truth is dead.
November 28, 2016
I have never been an avid Monroe fangirl, but I admire a lot of her work. The movie Niagara, from which the cover image is taken, left a very memorable impression on me as a child, and was the first film of hers that I've seen. Some Like It Hot counts second of the top three in my all time favourites list (The Princess Bride holding eternally the #1 spot, and The Atonement closing the list at #3). After watching My Week With Marilyn a few months ago, I realised that, while I know these films by heart, I don't really know much about the actress herself. Naturally I turned to 카지노싸이트 to find a good biography to fill gaps in my knowledge.
Marilyn Monroe was a cultural icon shrouded in myth and otherworldly allure. It is no wonder that the majority of her biographers fall victim to sensationalism, hysteria, and twisting of facts in favour of strange conspiracy theories. When I took upon myself to find the most reliable narrative of the late actress's life, Donald Spoto's monumental work crossed my path showcasing numerous recommendations. Indeed, this is the most unbiased biography of Marilyn's life I've seen yet. It doesn't indulge in unnecessary flourishes, instead relying on hard facts and documents from the estate. It never crosses into gossipy territory, which would immediately turn me off from reading it further. No, I finished this 700+ pager in one breathless sitting, and I feel like I really got to know Norma Jean for who she was. I was so very sad to turn the last page.
This biography tells of Marilyn's unstable childhood, her relationship with her own sexuality, her battle with the movie studio tycoons, and her three tragic marriages. It also addresses and debunks the persistent Kennedy/Monroe rumours, and offers the most logical sequence of events that led to her untimely death. If you want to read one book on Marilyn, let it be this one.
Marilyn Monroe was a cultural icon shrouded in myth and otherworldly allure. It is no wonder that the majority of her biographers fall victim to sensationalism, hysteria, and twisting of facts in favour of strange conspiracy theories. When I took upon myself to find the most reliable narrative of the late actress's life, Donald Spoto's monumental work crossed my path showcasing numerous recommendations. Indeed, this is the most unbiased biography of Marilyn's life I've seen yet. It doesn't indulge in unnecessary flourishes, instead relying on hard facts and documents from the estate. It never crosses into gossipy territory, which would immediately turn me off from reading it further. No, I finished this 700+ pager in one breathless sitting, and I feel like I really got to know Norma Jean for who she was. I was so very sad to turn the last page.
This biography tells of Marilyn's unstable childhood, her relationship with her own sexuality, her battle with the movie studio tycoons, and her three tragic marriages. It also addresses and debunks the persistent Kennedy/Monroe rumours, and offers the most logical sequence of events that led to her untimely death. If you want to read one book on Marilyn, let it be this one.
February 2, 2025
She told us more than once, ‘Hollywood will never forgive me—not for leaving, not for fighting the system—but for winning, which I'm going to do.’ -Susan Strasberg
What makes this solid biography the best choice to learn more about Marilyn Monroe is that it doesn't only tell the story of Norma Jeane/Marilyn Monroe, it also tells the story of those around her as well (starting from her grandparents, parents, relatives, husbands/boyfriends, friends, foes, associates, doctors, among many others). It details her family line history which led to the abandonment she had to go through.
As a person who did not know about Marilyn more than what was told in the news; I found almost everything in the book to be new important piece of information.
Especially as I stated above that Mr. Spoto enlightens the reader about those around her which paints a clearer picture of who she really was and what happened. Mr. Spoto debunks all the myths that surrounded Marilyn's life and death with real facts and receipts. He doesn't treat MM as an object; he seeks to humanize her and reveal her inner self with a deep and a better understanding of the woman beyond the myths and falsehoods.
"A sex symbol becomes a thing, and I hate to be a thing. You're always running people's unconscious. It's nice to be included in people's fantasies, but you also like to be accepted for your own sake. I don't look on myself as a commodity, but I'm sure a lot of people have, including one corporation in particular which shall be nameless. If I'm sounding 'picked on,' I think I have been." -Marilyn Monroe
"I want to be an artist and an actress with integrity. As I said once before, I don't care about the money. I just want to be wonderful." -Marilyn Monroe
Unlike most authors that wrote books on Marilyn he doesn't speculate, he knows what he's talking about. I can't imagine the hard work he went through to write such comprehensive biography.
I admit that the first 200 pages are quite slow and almost dull -bulked up with details- but quickly the pace gets more intriguing with every page.
The most important element of this biography is the comprehensive telling of how Marilyn was allegedly killed by her doctor and assistance. That was truly shocking to read. He focuses on the psychiatrist (Greenson) & the housekeeper (Murray) and how they allegedly covered up their crime. Mr. Spoto didn't speculate on who was behind them, however, he gave full description of how they allegedly did it. Excellent and lengthy account. The composition of events before, during and after her death is remarkable. I was blown away with all the important information that was written.
"I always felt that she had become an investment to people like him---an investment not only financially, in caring for her, but even in the fabrication of her illness. It had become a need for him and others that she be considered sick, dependent and needy. There was something sinister about Ralph Greenson. It was well known that he exerted enormous influence over her."
"Susan Strasberg agreed: his [Ralph Greenson] close involvement with Marilyn was an open secret no one really discussed."
Mr. Spoto included a bonus chapter to debunk the bogus theory that she was killed by Bobby Kennedy and he provides the alibis. I always believed that he did not kill her because there was no logical reason of why he or his brother would want such a thing--Marilyn was not obsessed with John Kennedy as the media likes to portray and mislead us.
All in all, this is certainly the best biography ever written on Marilyn Monroe/Norma Jeane. I believe that Marilyn been misrepresented and we all are misinformed regarding her but Mr. Spoto does a remarkable job in portraying her true self, no fabrications and no sensationalism. There are many psychological hypotheses and many more insight into Hollywood's dysfunctional system.
If you wish to study the life of this immortal goddess from the very beginning to the very tragic end; this is the best definitive biography to read.
"An impressive reminder of the tough, triumphalist Norma Jeane...for once she has a biographer worthy of her." -Julie Burchill
Highly recommended to understand the real woman, not the myth.
August 29, 2008
This book was so interesting to me. I'm a fan of Marilyn, of course, so alot of the stuff in this book really surprised me because I had never heard any of it before. This man, Spoto, who wrote it, researched her life heavily in order to get all the facts for himself and his writing style was, I found, very engaging. I've read through lots of other books about Marilyn but this one was without a doubt the very best one I've ever come across. I would warn any more sensitive readers that there are some references to things that she did that are a bit disturbing and/or (quite frankly) gross. Her life was full of scandal and drama and it's all in this book so I wouldn't recommend it to very young readers or people who are sensitive to the black and white truth that the author sets out on the table. But if you are a Marilyn fan, I would highly recommend this book. You really feel like you are able to get to know her as she really was.
January 16, 2015
A biography of astonishing depth. Reading this book cements my place as a fan-not of Marilyn Monroe the sex symbol, but of the woman, the 'little girl lost', who achieved so much as an actress despite a crippling insecurity, low self esteem, and little self worth. It is a shame that her abilities as an actress were not recognised or fully appreciated until after her death. From a personal perspective, I recognised certain aspects of her behaviour and character traits from my time as a foster carer. This book is a comprehensive study of her life, while debunking the usual murder plot as is normally trotted out, it does nevertheless hold people culpable, convincingly, for the death of the actress, and we are left with a definable sense of sadness at the end. Sadness at the end of the life of a woman who needed to rely upon, became dependent on, and ultimately was failed by, others. A great read.
December 18, 2011
Lately, I have been quite torn in the books I have read. Donald Spoto is a wonderful biographer and quite thorough - I am quite excited to read even more from him. He paints a fascinating picture of this enigmatic woman, whom I (and most of society, really) am inexplicably entranced with. However, the more I read about her, the less interested I was in her. At the end of the day, she is just like any other celebrity - beautiful and selfish, with a lot of issues known and unknown to the public.
I got about halfway through, but I decided to put it down for good, today. I feel there are better books on my list that are more worth my time. At more than 700 pages, this behemoth is way more than I want to be reading about someone unless it is Christ. Moral: wonderful author, not so wonderful subject. She is not someone I would want to emulate, although the allure she has held 50 years after her death is quite remarkable.
I got about halfway through, but I decided to put it down for good, today. I feel there are better books on my list that are more worth my time. At more than 700 pages, this behemoth is way more than I want to be reading about someone unless it is Christ. Moral: wonderful author, not so wonderful subject. She is not someone I would want to emulate, although the allure she has held 50 years after her death is quite remarkable.
September 1, 2017
This is one of the best-written biographies I've ever read. The book begins with a very interesting study of her family history and ends up by exploring the events after her death and discussing any possible theory relating to her eventual murder. The thing I respect the most is that Donald Spoto does't have any personal feelings involved while telling us the story. Instead, he strictly stick to the facts without paying attention to gossips and unconfirmed rumors.
I have always liked Marilyn Monroe not only as a sex symbol but also as a good actress. She can turn even the most stupid scenario to decent movie and that's why I was really surprised to learn how insecure she was in her acting skills and in herself as a person. I was extremely angry by reading how badly she was treated by the studio and her co-workers. She has been underestimated through her whole life and often had been accused to be unprofessional, dump and lousy actress. Even her closest people have taken advantage of her weakness by spending her money and use her fame to improve themselves.
The last few chapters of this book sounds to me like Agatha Christie's mystery novel but unfortunately in this case the crime remains unsolved. It's really sad how weak and how dependent she was of her psycho doctor and his magic pills. I think in the end her loneliness truly had killed her. I guess she was too good, too sensitive and too trustworthy for living in this messed up word.
I want to end my review with a quote of Marilyn which made me understand her and respect her even more:
I have always liked Marilyn Monroe not only as a sex symbol but also as a good actress. She can turn even the most stupid scenario to decent movie and that's why I was really surprised to learn how insecure she was in her acting skills and in herself as a person. I was extremely angry by reading how badly she was treated by the studio and her co-workers. She has been underestimated through her whole life and often had been accused to be unprofessional, dump and lousy actress. Even her closest people have taken advantage of her weakness by spending her money and use her fame to improve themselves.
The last few chapters of this book sounds to me like Agatha Christie's mystery novel but unfortunately in this case the crime remains unsolved. It's really sad how weak and how dependent she was of her psycho doctor and his magic pills. I think in the end her loneliness truly had killed her. I guess she was too good, too sensitive and too trustworthy for living in this messed up word.
I want to end my review with a quote of Marilyn which made me understand her and respect her even more:
I think that when you are famous every weakness is exaggerated. This industry should behave like a mother whose child has just run out in front of a car. But instead of clasping the child to them, they start punishing the child. Like you don't dare get a cold. How dare you get a cold! I mean, the executives can get colds and stay home forever and phone it in, but how dare you, the actor, get a cold or a virus. You know, no one feels worse than the one who's sick. I sometimes wish, gee, I wish they had to act a comedy with a temperature and a virus infection. I am not an actress who appears at a studio just for the purpose of discipline. This doesn't have anything at all to do with art. I myself would like to become more disciplined within my work. But I'm there to give a performance and not to be disciplined by a studio! After all, I'm not in a military school. This is supposed to be an art form, not just a manufacturing establishment. The sensitivity that helps me to act, you see, also makes me react. An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What if everybody jumped on his violin?
You know a lot of people have, oh gee, real quirky problems that they wouldn't dare have anyone know. But one of my problems happens to show: I'm late. I guess people think that why I'm late is some kind of arrogance and I think it is the opposite of arrogance. I also feel that I'm not in this big American rush, you know, you got to go and you got to go fast but for no good reason. The main thing is, I want to be prepared when I get there to give a good performance or whatever to the best of my ability. A lot of people can be there on time and do nothing, which I have seen them do, and you know, all sit around sort of chit chatting and talking trivia about their social life. Gable said about me, "When she's there, she's there. All of her is there! She's there to work."
June 30, 2017
"If you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best."
--Things Marilyn Monroe Literally Never Said But Were Attributed to Her After Her Death Because It Fits Our Inaccurate Image of Her
My fascination with Marilyn Monroe started with Anne Helen Petersen's column on The Hairpin, where she analyzes the creation of Monroe's star image as well as the anxieties it produced and embodied--and, yes, the ways it swallowed her up. Marilyn Monroe: The Biography was the next natural step, since Spoto basically seems to have set out to debunk every myth about Marilyn Monroe he could uncover. He starts with the rumors of mental illness that may or may not have contributed to her drug addiction and death; he digs into her backstory for the truth behind her foster homes; and he devotes an entire section to announcing his disdain for any possible Kennedy connections.
It's a little dry but brisk, and there's a real sense of indignation for how Monroe was continuously prevented from moving forward both professionally and personally. Spoto doesn't bother to theorize about why she was routinely denied the recognition she deserved, which is shocking because he theorizes about practically everything else. I have no idea what his background in psychology is, but parts of the biography were written from his armchair, which detracts from the overall well-researched and analytical presentation of Monroe's life. The woman had a real gift for surrounding herself with assholes who get obsessed with her and try to control her, and it probably stems from issues surrounding her unknown father and her inconstant mother. Now repeat that 20 times and you have Spoto's psychoanalysis.
So...who was Marilyn Monroe? The answer appears to be that no one, not even Marilyn Monroe herself, ever got a chance to find out.
--Things Marilyn Monroe Literally Never Said But Were Attributed to Her After Her Death Because It Fits Our Inaccurate Image of Her
My fascination with Marilyn Monroe started with Anne Helen Petersen's column on The Hairpin, where she analyzes the creation of Monroe's star image as well as the anxieties it produced and embodied--and, yes, the ways it swallowed her up. Marilyn Monroe: The Biography was the next natural step, since Spoto basically seems to have set out to debunk every myth about Marilyn Monroe he could uncover. He starts with the rumors of mental illness that may or may not have contributed to her drug addiction and death; he digs into her backstory for the truth behind her foster homes; and he devotes an entire section to announcing his disdain for any possible Kennedy connections.
It's a little dry but brisk, and there's a real sense of indignation for how Monroe was continuously prevented from moving forward both professionally and personally. Spoto doesn't bother to theorize about why she was routinely denied the recognition she deserved, which is shocking because he theorizes about practically everything else. I have no idea what his background in psychology is, but parts of the biography were written from his armchair, which detracts from the overall well-researched and analytical presentation of Monroe's life. The woman had a real gift for surrounding herself with assholes who get obsessed with her and try to control her, and it probably stems from issues surrounding her unknown father and her inconstant mother. Now repeat that 20 times and you have Spoto's psychoanalysis.
So...who was Marilyn Monroe? The answer appears to be that no one, not even Marilyn Monroe herself, ever got a chance to find out.
October 8, 2014
A solid biography of a complicated person. Spoto does an admirable job at dispelling many of the myths associated with Marilyn (some of which, to be fair, were created by the subject herself). While ultimately you're taking Spoto's word over others, his research appears to be thorough, so when he says there's absolutely no way Marilyn ever had an affair with Bobby Kennedy, I tend to believe him. As for his reconstruction of the events surrounding Marilyn's death, again, I think his research is sound, but we'll never know for sure. He also includes an afterword where he goes and systematically disproves all the other theories that are out there. Seems to check out for me.
In any event, Marilyn Monroe was a complex person. She led a strange and sad life. Which makes for a pretty entertaining read. If you're going to read a biography of Marilyn Monroe, it should probably be this one.
In any event, Marilyn Monroe was a complex person. She led a strange and sad life. Which makes for a pretty entertaining read. If you're going to read a biography of Marilyn Monroe, it should probably be this one.
June 14, 2015
Not the best book on Marilyn!
Sad to think we will never know what really happened to Marilyn Monroe that fateful evening. Each author has their own scenario. I think the Kennedy's were more involved than this author admits to. Whatever the truth is and knowing we will probably never know the whole truth Marilyn's tale remains a sad and sorrowful one.
Sad to think we will never know what really happened to Marilyn Monroe that fateful evening. Each author has their own scenario. I think the Kennedy's were more involved than this author admits to. Whatever the truth is and knowing we will probably never know the whole truth Marilyn's tale remains a sad and sorrowful one.
July 30, 2015
Can't believe I went through this thick book so quickly. It was amazing to read about the legendary Marilyn Monroe- other than being known for the famous white dress windy day shots, I didn't know much about her! It's such a tragedy though, that she died this way.
More thoughts later.
More thoughts later.
June 16, 2008
probably the most popular and most read biography of marilyn, but not the best
August 14, 2017
An in depth biography of an intriguing woman, enjoyable to read.
June 3, 2025
I experienced this book in the Audible format. I am far from a Marilyn Monroe devotee although I have experienced much of the fiction and lore about her life and death. This book is a heavily foot noted effort which claims to be the most accurate view of the life of this public person. To the extent that you might claim that this book is occasionally dull and boring, is enough suggestion that the highly flammable claims about the life of this woman Are at least somewhat exaggerated.
It does appear that Norma Jean was hardly celibate, but seems to have had a good deal of sexual activity, but mostly in a serial monogamy kind of way. Among the most common misrepresentations debunked are that she had multiple abortions. She evidently had several miscarriages, but no abortions. One of the things not covered in the book is her preferred method of birth control! The book reveals that she had sex with JFK once and with RFK never. The love of her life if there was one was Joe DiMaggio. They were planning to be remarried at the time of her death.
The evaluation of Marilyn‘s acting skills and efforts to achieve greater skill is covered in some detail as is her serious difficulty and giving herself enough credit. Her struggles as an actress and the credit given to her by others in her professional realm are impressive the fact that her death was accidental but related to the abuse of Prescription drugs, and the bad services of her doctor and others who were supposedly looking after her seem obvious and verging on criminal. She was not a dumb blonde by any stretch of the imagination. But she did not survive the ravages of a difficult early life that followed her to the very end. The fact that she was evidently beautiful, did not always serve her well. There is an interesting observation that she could switch in and out of the role of Marilyn.
It does appear that Norma Jean was hardly celibate, but seems to have had a good deal of sexual activity, but mostly in a serial monogamy kind of way. Among the most common misrepresentations debunked are that she had multiple abortions. She evidently had several miscarriages, but no abortions. One of the things not covered in the book is her preferred method of birth control! The book reveals that she had sex with JFK once and with RFK never. The love of her life if there was one was Joe DiMaggio. They were planning to be remarried at the time of her death.
The evaluation of Marilyn‘s acting skills and efforts to achieve greater skill is covered in some detail as is her serious difficulty and giving herself enough credit. Her struggles as an actress and the credit given to her by others in her professional realm are impressive the fact that her death was accidental but related to the abuse of Prescription drugs, and the bad services of her doctor and others who were supposedly looking after her seem obvious and verging on criminal. She was not a dumb blonde by any stretch of the imagination. But she did not survive the ravages of a difficult early life that followed her to the very end. The fact that she was evidently beautiful, did not always serve her well. There is an interesting observation that she could switch in and out of the role of Marilyn.
November 18, 2012
This is a pretty difficult book to review which is why I've put it off so long. I've read enough biographies to know I have to be careful which one I pick up and to make sure it's properly researched and respected. I read way too many wildly speculative biographies of James Dean before I came upon Donald Spoto's Rebel and finally could sigh some relief that here was one that properly acknowledged the lacunae and didn't just make shit up to fill in the gaps.
So I came to this, fully secure that Spoto would tell me the truth about Norma Jeane and Marilyn and tell me what he couldn't find out. It's true, this is a fairly dry book. It's nowhere as easy to read as John Coldstream's authorised biography of Dirk Bogarde or the marvellous effortlessness of Patricia Bosworth's biography of Montgomery Clift. It's true, Spoto does repeat himself a bit within a few pages and he does go into potted synopses of each major player in Marilyn's life. The latter bit I didn't mind so much, it was good enough to know the info was there if I wanted to go back and check.
What really took me aback, as I updated, was the sexual willingness of Norma Jeane. Spoto explains it in terms of a woman fully comfortable with her sex appeal and her body, explains how she was raised by a woman who knew just how to work that aspect, explains how Marilyn Monroe was so very much a product of a childhood lived on the fringe of Hollywood, ever aspiring to the silver screen, ever modelling herself on those images. A combination of nature and nurture, definitely. He rationalises it well. And I suppose it's my own sense of morality and ethics that recoils from that sort of availability.
The fact that she made love to the camera of her own preternatural affinity and then as an extension of that, made love to the photographer. That's how Spoto explains it. The fact that she had a long affair with her agent even though there was apparently very little love on her part. The fact that she slept with at least one producer. I rationalise it to myself as well, perhaps those were the days, maybe that was the difference since the 30s when Kate Hepburn was trying to make it big. As far as I know, Hepburn never slept with anyone to further her career and I will probably do blue murder to anyone who suggests it.
It's something that deeply appalls me, the idea of relying on something other than your craft to make it big. And maybe I shouldn't believe Spoto when he says with cited interviews and such that she did? I'm not certain now.
What astounded me and more in terms of the Marilyn fans I know online is the calm assertion that she did occasionally solicit on the boulevard in those very early days in Hollywood. The staunch MM fandom online, of which I will count myself, will have you believe Marilyn never hooked. Spoto perhaps makes a bit of apology for that, and later backs himself up by telling us how Marilyn spun the possible scandal to her benefit like she did with explaining the nude pictures away as poverty. Me, I was covering my eyes, imagining the furious reaction from fans online who haven't yet read this biography.
But there's a great deal of love and compassion in this book, a great deal of care taken to portray Marilyn in all her flaws and virtues, explain the psychological motivation behind both. What I really loved was the analysis of her image and her symbolism in that era of Fifties morality and in context of the Kinsey study being published. I was quite fascinated too by how intuitively clever she was about working the press to her advantage and yet keeping her charitable works away from the public eye.
Spoto's unequivocal about who he believes was responsible for her death. In fact, that last bit makes for utterly gripping reading and it was only later I realised it was all theory. Quite plausible theory, yes, and compellingly put. But still theory.
What chilled me to the core was seeing the terrible dependency on medication unfurl. How it's been repeated so many times through Hollywood history and still never loses its horror. To know it's still happening and we're still losing talents to it.
I read this book, believing completely in its truth, trusting Spoto to the nth detail. And then weirdly enough, the week after I finished it, I came down the stairs in my apartment building and found somebody had left a biography of Laurence Olivier in the foyer. And it was by Spoto. Naturally I grabbed it up with much excitement and hurtled to the bus stop off to work. By the time I got to the office, I had discovered that apparently Spoto had totally made up stuff in that biography and that even Joan Plowright had denounced him not so directly.
So now I'm doubting his Marilyn biography. Damn it.
So I came to this, fully secure that Spoto would tell me the truth about Norma Jeane and Marilyn and tell me what he couldn't find out. It's true, this is a fairly dry book. It's nowhere as easy to read as John Coldstream's authorised biography of Dirk Bogarde or the marvellous effortlessness of Patricia Bosworth's biography of Montgomery Clift. It's true, Spoto does repeat himself a bit within a few pages and he does go into potted synopses of each major player in Marilyn's life. The latter bit I didn't mind so much, it was good enough to know the info was there if I wanted to go back and check.
What really took me aback, as I updated, was the sexual willingness of Norma Jeane. Spoto explains it in terms of a woman fully comfortable with her sex appeal and her body, explains how she was raised by a woman who knew just how to work that aspect, explains how Marilyn Monroe was so very much a product of a childhood lived on the fringe of Hollywood, ever aspiring to the silver screen, ever modelling herself on those images. A combination of nature and nurture, definitely. He rationalises it well. And I suppose it's my own sense of morality and ethics that recoils from that sort of availability.
The fact that she made love to the camera of her own preternatural affinity and then as an extension of that, made love to the photographer. That's how Spoto explains it. The fact that she had a long affair with her agent even though there was apparently very little love on her part. The fact that she slept with at least one producer. I rationalise it to myself as well, perhaps those were the days, maybe that was the difference since the 30s when Kate Hepburn was trying to make it big. As far as I know, Hepburn never slept with anyone to further her career and I will probably do blue murder to anyone who suggests it.
It's something that deeply appalls me, the idea of relying on something other than your craft to make it big. And maybe I shouldn't believe Spoto when he says with cited interviews and such that she did? I'm not certain now.
What astounded me and more in terms of the Marilyn fans I know online is the calm assertion that she did occasionally solicit on the boulevard in those very early days in Hollywood. The staunch MM fandom online, of which I will count myself, will have you believe Marilyn never hooked. Spoto perhaps makes a bit of apology for that, and later backs himself up by telling us how Marilyn spun the possible scandal to her benefit like she did with explaining the nude pictures away as poverty. Me, I was covering my eyes, imagining the furious reaction from fans online who haven't yet read this biography.
But there's a great deal of love and compassion in this book, a great deal of care taken to portray Marilyn in all her flaws and virtues, explain the psychological motivation behind both. What I really loved was the analysis of her image and her symbolism in that era of Fifties morality and in context of the Kinsey study being published. I was quite fascinated too by how intuitively clever she was about working the press to her advantage and yet keeping her charitable works away from the public eye.
Spoto's unequivocal about who he believes was responsible for her death. In fact, that last bit makes for utterly gripping reading and it was only later I realised it was all theory. Quite plausible theory, yes, and compellingly put. But still theory.
What chilled me to the core was seeing the terrible dependency on medication unfurl. How it's been repeated so many times through Hollywood history and still never loses its horror. To know it's still happening and we're still losing talents to it.
I read this book, believing completely in its truth, trusting Spoto to the nth detail. And then weirdly enough, the week after I finished it, I came down the stairs in my apartment building and found somebody had left a biography of Laurence Olivier in the foyer. And it was by Spoto. Naturally I grabbed it up with much excitement and hurtled to the bus stop off to work. By the time I got to the office, I had discovered that apparently Spoto had totally made up stuff in that biography and that even Joan Plowright had denounced him not so directly.
So now I'm doubting his Marilyn biography. Damn it.
February 4, 2016
Beginning with Norma Jean Baker's grandparents and traveling down the family line in an ongoing story of failed marriages and child abandonment, Spoto's biography not only tells the story of Marilyn Monroe's life but also the lives of those around her, including relatives, close friends, all three of the late movie star's husbands, and the neglectful doctors who contributed to her later health issues and possible even death with their bad advice. The book uses historical data, interviews with those who know Marilyn during her life, letters from the star herself and even a few snippets of her poetry to tell the sometimes glamorous and often tragic story of Marilyn Monroe's life.
I always appreciate a biographer who is able to look beyond his or her impressions of a subject in order to tell the full story of another human's life, and I feel Spoto did an excellent job of this in his biography of Marilyn Monroe. Drawing from her early life, which was spent largely in foster homes and an orphan home, Spoto paints the image of a deeply insecure woman, and often a naive one at that, yet a woman who was also charitable, a kind friend, and someone who never quit striving to improve at her craft.
I appreciated that there was little speculation about Marilyn's death as there can often be surrounding the mysterious deaths of celebrities. Instead, Spoto used an accumulation of facts and interviews from a variety of sources to piece together what is known definitively about her death and what is myth. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the end section of the book, where Spoto included stories taken from several different memoirs, movies, and stories surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death and debunked the myth, separating it from what can be taken as truth.
I always appreciate a biographer who is able to look beyond his or her impressions of a subject in order to tell the full story of another human's life, and I feel Spoto did an excellent job of this in his biography of Marilyn Monroe. Drawing from her early life, which was spent largely in foster homes and an orphan home, Spoto paints the image of a deeply insecure woman, and often a naive one at that, yet a woman who was also charitable, a kind friend, and someone who never quit striving to improve at her craft.
I appreciated that there was little speculation about Marilyn's death as there can often be surrounding the mysterious deaths of celebrities. Instead, Spoto used an accumulation of facts and interviews from a variety of sources to piece together what is known definitively about her death and what is myth. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the end section of the book, where Spoto included stories taken from several different memoirs, movies, and stories surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death and debunked the myth, separating it from what can be taken as truth.
January 4, 2013
I've always had some respect for Spoto as a biographer of the film community but this is very ponderously written. He is quite good on MM having no sense of herself because she was always playing MM and was surrounded by those who discouraged her from developing her own self, but that is little excuse for the subject being so absent from her own biography.
If his thesis that Robert Slatzer and Jeanne Carmen did not actually know MM, let alone were her friends - that is good research. Spoto is obviously trying to separate MM from the Kennedys - and he may be right, but I would have thought that the allegation that Dr Greenson killed MM with a nembutal enema administered by housekeeper Mrs Murray must be actionable. And the claim of a re-marriage to Joe D planned for the Wednesday after her death is surely shaky.
Spoto did make me think about the respective influences of Natasha Lytess and Paula Strasberg and he is right that her style was much more naturalistic under Strasberg.
If his thesis that Robert Slatzer and Jeanne Carmen did not actually know MM, let alone were her friends - that is good research. Spoto is obviously trying to separate MM from the Kennedys - and he may be right, but I would have thought that the allegation that Dr Greenson killed MM with a nembutal enema administered by housekeeper Mrs Murray must be actionable. And the claim of a re-marriage to Joe D planned for the Wednesday after her death is surely shaky.
Spoto did make me think about the respective influences of Natasha Lytess and Paula Strasberg and he is right that her style was much more naturalistic under Strasberg.
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October 6, 2008I liked Marilyn Monroe before i read this book, now I love her and and hate her. I respect her but I dont. She was ambitious and insecure, truthfully blunt yet dishonest. Unlike most people these days that go around quoting Monroe without even knowing anything about her...i've actually seen a few of her films, Some Like It Hot, and Gentleman Prefer Blondes. i never did watch The Misfits, hearing that it wasnt very good. Now because of this book, i want to see how diasterous it really was.
The book is full of details...to the extent of boring details. But Its supposedly the most accurate account of Monroes life. I actually cried when i got to the part about how she died, and what really happened. And Joe DeMaggio, staying with her even while she was gone, Her make-up artist doing her face One Last Time...beautiful.
The book is full of details...to the extent of boring details. But Its supposedly the most accurate account of Monroes life. I actually cried when i got to the part about how she died, and what really happened. And Joe DeMaggio, staying with her even while she was gone, Her make-up artist doing her face One Last Time...beautiful.
March 16, 2015
I wanted to read a "real" biography about Marilyn Monroe after reading Joyce Carol Oate's . The Spoto biography seemed solid. (There are so may biographies about Marilyn to choose from, but there seems to be a consensus that the one by Spoto is one of the more reliable ones.) Some of the read was a bit of a trudge, but Marilyn was definitely an interesting personality, and when you think that she died at 36, she accomplished an amazing amount in her short time on the planet. Her story has left me with much to think about, as in many ways it is a story about being a woman, and how women define themselves and create their lives.
April 15, 2013
Believe me when I say that I have read LOTS of books on Marilyn Monroe and so it is with this knowledge that I say, if one is going to read a book about MM this one tends to stick to documented facts, interviews with MM's closest friends and co workers, receipts and recorded dates and does not rely on crazy conspiracy theories. However, those do get a mention but only in the Afterword and are mentioned so the reader knows HOW these conspiracy theories came to life.
Overall, great book. Great facts. Great read.
Overall, great book. Great facts. Great read.
May 14, 2020
A avut o viata fascinanta, intens mediatizata, dar din pacate destinul a facut sa plece prea devreme din aceasta lume...Viata scurta, intensa, cu iubiri tumultoase face pe multi sa vrea sa-i citeasca biografia.Am ales-o pe cea a lui Donald Spoto ca fiind mai bine documentata.Sunt fana Marilyn si mi-a placut cartea, este bine structurata, dar citind si din alte surse ma face sa cred ca finalul ei nu e tocmai cel descris de Spoto.Dupa mai bine de jumatate de secol, moartea ii ramane totusi un mister....si ea ramane inca un sex simbol....
May 12, 2020
It’s starts off fine, and I certainly believe the historical accuracy of the biographer but his self righteous attitude pissed me off. He spends too much time gloating about his ability to disprove other biographies instead of just laying out the facts as he has them. He goes on too many tangents on peripheral characters as to say “look at how much I know about!” And then.... he gets sloppy. inferring things, emotions and even suggesting bits of dialogue. Ultimately, I do believe his findings but there was a better way to present them.
July 13, 2015
By far one of the most thorough and extensive biographies I've ever read about Marilyn. Finally, a biography that puts aside the ludicrous rumors and fame-seeking tales and instead approaches her life exactly as it happened. He corroborates all of his information with multiple eye witnesses and testimony, making it a very detailed and introspective account. His gift of writing makes the story come to life and I found every page interesting.
February 23, 2012
ok, not great!
June 16, 2012
One of my favorite Marilyn Monroe biographies. Very detailed with stories that were unknown to me before. I always enjoy rereading this book.
June 12, 2020
I did not finish this book because I was very disappointed in it.
December 30, 2022
Oh.
That’s my reaction. I just finished reading about a human being who lived. Who had pain, joy, triumph… etc… and not so much just a suffering artist at the mercy of Hollywood studios. It doesn’t seem she had life any more or less tragic than most. She did however, according to this, “act” despite crippling anxiety. Oh, and she-didn’t-kill-herself-it-was-the-pseudo-Hollywood-type-doctors… I’d like the real movie now. Series? Let’s see our beloved Marilyn choose who she sleeps with because - she wants to. - Has no problem using men’s desire to get what she wants. Cuts toxic people off like warts. Starts a production company because she’s sick of FOX’s bs. I see now. Her death was tragic, not her life.
That’s my reaction. I just finished reading about a human being who lived. Who had pain, joy, triumph… etc… and not so much just a suffering artist at the mercy of Hollywood studios. It doesn’t seem she had life any more or less tragic than most. She did however, according to this, “act” despite crippling anxiety. Oh, and she-didn’t-kill-herself-it-was-the-pseudo-Hollywood-type-doctors… I’d like the real movie now. Series? Let’s see our beloved Marilyn choose who she sleeps with because - she wants to. - Has no problem using men’s desire to get what she wants. Cuts toxic people off like warts. Starts a production company because she’s sick of FOX’s bs. I see now. Her death was tragic, not her life.
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