The Sex Symbol

Who was the real Marilyn Monroe? Celebrating 100 years of an icon.

In her final interview, Marilyn Monroe observed: “When you're famous, you run into human nature in a raw kind of way. People think: Who is she? Who does she think she is, Marilyn Monroe?”

Who was Marilyn Monroe? It depends who you ask. Some dismissed her as a dumb blonde, others say she was a savvy self-promoter, an influencer before influencers existed. Some labelled her a diva who was late to set and ruined takes, others argue she was an artist fighting back against the studio machine. Many say she was a victim, a martyr, a tragedy – others say she was a survivor.

Celebrating 100 years of Marilyn Monroe, Ellen E Jones overturns the myths of Monroe – many of which she created herself. Speaking with those who knew Marilyn best, Ellen explores five ‘faces’ of the blonde bombshell.

In this episode, we meet Marilyn Monroe: 'The Sex Symbol'. Even today, Marilyn's image is synonymous with beauty and sexuality - but as she returns to LA, the icon is privately at war with her body. Ellen speaks with Marilyn's close friend Amy Greene; her peer Mamie van Doren; family of photographer Sam Shaw, Edie, Meta and Melissa; collector Bryan Johns; and biographers Andrew Wilson and Sarah Churchwell.

Presented by Ellen E Jones
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio