08/04/2026
"After decades of memories and reflections, I do not sit in judgement on Marilyn. Her legendary lateness was not the butterflies that afflict many stars, but her weapon against the specific time clock of the establishment. While she was sweet, bubbling with enthusiasm and fun, she could be equally as tough and ruthless with the gigantic studio powers. Even when the world of power and industry didn't have an individual name and face.
She was a fighter, behind the screen scenes, fighting as a lover, fighting her husbands and lovers and, above all, the establishment of Big Business--the Studio. The power structure of Hollywood. She won and she lost. She paid her dues.
S*x, lovers, beauty, fame--she never thought of fortune. She never fought for money except for the power money can buy: a good story, great directors.
Although desired by the most legendary athlete of all time and by the greatest playwright of our time--kings and men in high places--the assembly line worker in a plant was always part of her. She never lost the factory girl in her rise to stardom and international fame.
Everyone I meet--old friends, chance acquaintances--knowing that I took photos of her over a period of time, asks the same questions. 'What was she like?' 'Was she easy to get along with?' 'Did you like her?'
I like her now more than I did then. I hope that those out there who love her will grow to love her even more deeply and more profoundly as I do."
Photos and excerpt from the book "Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs" by Sam Shaw
Rest in everlasting peace Dear Marilyn 🕊️✨❤️
Shaw Family Archives Marilyn Monroe ACC Art Books
