Princess Illiana

During Marilyn’s lifetime she always wanted to have a baby and was even once quoted saying, “What do I want more than anything else in the world?  I want a baby! I want to have children!” (1962).

The heartbreaking truth is that Marilyn suffered through several miscarriages throughout her lifetime. This photograph was taken in 1957 as she was leaving a New York City hospital where she had suffered an ectopic surgery (baby grows on the outside of the uterus). 

While leaving this hospital, Marilyn was hounded by the press and crowds of fans. She was forced to put on a smile, wave, and possibly sign autographs. Unlike the rest of the women population who suffered from miscarriages, Marilyn endured the pain of losing a child (and children) in the public eye. 

I never get tired of this photo.

Ella Fitzgerald was not allowed to play at Mocambo because of her race. Then, one of Ella’s biggest fans made a telephone call that quite possibly changed the path of her career for good. Here, Ella tells the story of how Marilyn Monroe changed her life:

The Misfits (1961)