Haunting never-published trove of Marilyn Monroe photos days before death: Hanging from the rafters, tears in her eyes… see her last ever images – and read her final words

On August 3, 1962, LIFE magazine published Marilyn Monroe’s last interview.

Two days later, she was gone.

The article gave readers a look at her early life, as well as her feelings about fame and the challenges of working in Hollywood. It spanned six pages and included eight photos.

But hidden within those pages was something much deeper: 432 photographs taken by Allan Grant, and four hours of recorded conversation between LIFE magazine editor Richard Meryman and Marilyn Monroe. These were captured in June 1962, just three months before her tragic death at age 36.

Most of those images and recordings have never been seen or heard.

In March 2025, after seventy years, Karin Grant, Allan’s widow and aged 82, gave an unpublished collection of materials to Chris Flannery and Jason Greene.

This collection features the final professional photos ever taken of Marilyn Monroe, and uniquely, they were shot inside her home on Fifth Helena Drive in Los Angeles.

For the first time, the complete transcripts of Richard Meryman’s interview with Marilyn Monroe will be released, thanks to his daughter Meredith working with Flannery and Greene. The release will also include previously unpublished photos from the collection.

This biography offers a remarkably detailed and personal look at the actress, sharing her life story in her own voice and published on what would have been her 100th birthday.

Marilyn on childhood

Everything seemed magical around the age of 11 or 12, and it seemed to happen overnight.

I noticed the girls were watching me, like I was someone they needed to be careful around. At first, I didn’t understand why some of them disliked me, but then it hit me: it was because the boys were interested in me.

Walking to school was a real joy. It was a two and a half mile trip each way, but I didn’t mind at all. People driving to work would honk and wave, and I’d wave back – it made the whole world feel friendly and connected.

When I was growing up, newspaper delivery boys would often come by my house, and I’d climb up into a tree to watch them.

You know, one of the simple joys of my childhood was seeing the paper delivery guys arrive on their bikes. My family really appreciated getting the free newspapers, and they’d all gather around the big tree in our yard, parking their bikes nearby. Meanwhile, I’d be up in that tree, swinging around – I always felt like a little monkey up there! It was a happy, carefree time.

I used to ask the neighborhood boys if I could borrow their bikes, and they always said yes. I’d take off, laughing as I rode down the street, and they’d patiently wait for me to return.

I loved the wind because it caressed me.

On the naked calendar

I was upset the studio discovered it. I felt a bit embarrassed, imagining them seeing me completely exposed. [laughs] But it really did happen, just as I said.

When Tom Kelly first told me he was a photographer and asked me to pose nude, my immediate response was, ‘Me? You’ve got to be joking! Absolutely not.’

I was four weeks behind on my rent at the Hollywood Studio Club, but somehow they let me stay. I think they believed I still had a chance to succeed.

So, I’d already worked with him on a few beer commercials, and when the next shoot came up, I told him I was totally fine with his wife being there – she’s lovely! – but I really needed it to just be the two of us creatively. No assistants, no extra hands, just him and me. I wanted to keep things focused, you know?

When I arrived, he told me to shut everything down. I was shocked. They really don’t seem to care about appearances at all – they don’t bother with any makeup, not even to cover up imperfections.

He laid me out on a red velvet surface. It was a bit chilly, but he and his wife were kind. He repeatedly exclaimed ‘Oh my god!’ and I tried to stay positive, thinking it wasn’t so bad. I’d always dreamed of red velvet as a child, but I never imagined I’d be lying on it naked.

I got paid fifty dollars.

On being a sex symbol

I always found the idea of being a ‘sex symbol’ confusing – I literally thought it had something to do with cymbals! That’s the problem with labels, they reduce you to an object. I really dislike being objectified. I don’t limit myself to that role, but if I had to be a symbol for something, I’d prefer it to be sexuality rather than some of the other things people represent.

It’s better to be seen as attractive, even sexually, than to be completely ignored or dismissed as uninteresting.

On the future

I’ve realized fame is unreliable, so I don’t stress over it. I simply accept it when it happens and don’t worry when it fades. It doesn’t define my life or affect how I live; it’s just not a priority for me.

My life revolves around my work and a small circle of close relationships. I value the people I can truly rely on – those I deeply respect and who feel the same way about me.

I aspire to be a genuine and versatile artist, an actress who embraces diverse roles. I want to portray a wide range of characters throughout my career, and I look forward to taking on even more varied roles as I get older.

It doesn’t always have to just be ‘the spring lovers,’ you know? How about Life Begins at 40?

2026-04-29 19:06

Marilyn on childhood

On the naked calendar

On being a sex symbol

On the future

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