Marilyn Monroe, an iconic figure in Hollywood, posed for her final photoshoot just weeks before her untimely death at the age of 36. This poignant moment in her life is detailed in a new book by Maureen Callahan, a columnist for DailyMail.com. Callahan’s book, Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, reveals the intricacies of Monroe’s last days and her daring photoshoot with renowned photographer Bert Stern.
Marilyn’s Last Photoshoot
In June 1962, Monroe participated in what would become her final and most daring photoshoot. Captured by the world-famous photographer Bert Stern for Vogue, the session was later titled “The Last Sitting.”
Callahan describes Monroe as being “at the height of her beauty” during this photoshoot, despite her intense personal struggles.
Monroe posed nude in bed, her breasts swathed in pink tulle, with a noticeable scar from recent gallbladder surgery. She reportedly felt self-conscious about the scar, but Stern reassured her with the words, “a woman is beautiful by her scars,” a sentiment borrowed from the famed fashion editor Diana Vreeland.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Despite the captivating images, Monroe was battling severe depression and a staggering consumption of alcohol and pills.
Her persistent inability to get out of bed led to her being fired from her latest film, Something’s Got to Give. Callahan writes that Monroe took this public humiliation as a challenge, channeling her emotions into the bold photoshoot with Stern.
The Tragic End
Monroe’s life came to a tragic end just weeks after the photoshoot. She died of a barbiturate overdose at her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Her body was found by her housekeeper in the early hours of August 5, 1962. Callahan details that Monroe was found face-down on her bed, nude, with her phone still in her hand. This heartbreaking scene marked the end of a life filled with both extraordinary achievements and profound personal struggles.
Explosive Revelations in Callahan’s Book
Callahan’s book provides a deeper look into Monroe’s death and the events leading up to it. One of the most explosive revelations involves Monroe’s second husband, Joe DiMaggio, who had strong opinions about the Kennedy brothers’ involvement in her life and death.
DiMaggio banned President John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby from Monroe’s funeral, later stating, “I always knew who killed her, but I didn’t want to start a revolution in this country. She told me someone would do her in, but I kept quiet.”
The Kennedy Connection
Bobby Kennedy’s connection to Monroe is further explored in the book. Callahan writes that Bobby visited Monroe at her home on the night she died, searching for tape recordings allegedly made by the FBI and CIA, who had bugged her house without her knowledge.
Bobby left empty-handed, and Monroe died hours later. After her death, the FBI was reportedly ordered to remove certain phone records from her home.
Callahan also reveals that Monroe had called Bobby’s workplace multiple times in the weeks leading up to her death and had an abortion in July 1962, with speculation that the baby may have been Bobby’s.
Media Suppression
The book also touches on media suppression surrounding Monroe’s death. In 1985, ABC News planned to air a special about the Kennedy brothers’ potential involvement in Monroe’s death, but the broadcast was abruptly cancelled hours before it was due to air.
Callahan notes that the then-president of ABC News, Roone Arledge, was a longtime friend of Ethel Kennedy, Bobby’s wife, suggesting a potential reason for the sudden cancellation.
Conclusion
Maureen Callahan’s new book provides a compelling and detailed account of Marilyn Monroe’s final days, her last photoshoot, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.
Through interviews, personal accounts, and thorough research, Callahan sheds light on the life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.
Monroe’s story continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the complex human being behind the glamorous image.