Kim Morgan has posted the text of an extraordinary letter Marilyn Monroe wrote to her psychiatrist, Dr. Greenson, while she was locked up in a psychiatric ward. 1961. Post Misfits. It’s heartfelt, witty, intelligent. The poet John Ashbery makes an appearance at the end. Amazing.
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Isn’t that a beautiful letter? She seemed so self-possessed and kind-hearted. And taking her craft so seriously – “I’m an actress and I would never intentionally mark or mar myself.” Being thoughtful to Joe DiMaggio on Christmas night. Stealing an idea from Don’t Bother To Knock – though it didn’t really work out well.
“How could you work if you were depressed?” How could someone who worked at a psychiatric ward as her that question? Oy.
I love how she cops to being vain. Like when she got her appendix out. She was rolled into the operating room, unconscious, the doctor pulled back her gown and there was a note taped to her stomach saying, “Please try to make it just a little scar! xoxoxoxo”
So adorable and human.
The whole Joe D thing was amazing. He was true-blue to the end – a bad husband but a very good friend.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays Joe in the latest Marilyn TV biopic! I don’t think I’ll ever see it but that’s some interesting casting.
That letter is a compelling read, thanks for the link. So illuminative of her personality. I love how she takes a moment to worry about Freud.
Oh wow – didn’t realize JDM played Joe. I resist Marilyn biopics – I’ve seen some – but her persona was so strong and so her own – it’s so difficult for me to believe the person playing her is actually her. I thought Michelle Williams did quite a good job – capturing her effervescence and humor very well.
And yes, suddenly feeling sad for Freud … ha!!