The Actors Marilyn Monroe Said Were Her Absolute Favourites

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As a film critic, I’ve always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe. She wasn’t just a star; she exploded onto the scene with a speed and story that quickly became the stuff of legend. While she first appeared on screen in ’47, it was 1950 that really marked her arrival. John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle, with Sterling Hayden and Louis Calhern, gave us a glimpse of what was to come. But it was her supporting role in the Best Picture winner, All About Eve, that truly launched her into the spotlight and kicked off what would become an absolutely defining decade for her career.

During the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe became a worldwide star thanks to her roles in memorable comedies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. She quickly became known around the globe as the embodiment of a lively, uniquely American spirit. Because she was so famous, many of the biggest actors of the time, including Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Montgomery Clift, were excited to work with her.

Although Marilyn Monroe worked with many famous actors, Clark Gable was the only one she considered a personal favorite. Gable, nicknamed “The King of Hollywood,” won an Oscar in 1935 for It Happened One Night and later co-starred with Monroe in her last completed film, The Misfits. She often spoke about her admiration for him, saying he greatly influenced how she understood fame and acting.

Interestingly, Monroe also admired two other Hollywood legends even though she never worked with them. One was Marlon Brando, a groundbreaking actor who received eight Oscar nominations and won for On the Waterfront and The Godfather. Monroe deeply respected Brando’s dedication to emotionally honest and powerful performances, a commitment she shared herself.

Marilyn Monroe chose Charlie Chaplin, a legendary comedian known for films like Modern Times and The Great Dictator, as one of her biggest inspirations. Chaplin’s masterful combination of humor and heartfelt emotion influenced countless actors, including Gene Wilder and Jim Carrey.

Monroe considered Chaplin, along with two other unnamed artists, to be the very best in the acting world, each possessing a unique and captivating screen presence. Interest in Monroe remains incredibly strong, especially this year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth.

To mark this special occasion, a major exhibition called Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait will open at the National Portrait Gallery in London on June 4th. The exhibit will showcase rare photographs by famous photographers like Cecil Beaton and Philippe Halsman, as well as personal items belonging to Monroe, such as her scripts and clothing.

Beyond museum exhibits, Marilyn Monroe’s life still inspires artists today. A brand-new, immersive experience called Becoming Marilyn Monroe will debut this year. This unique multimedia show uses cutting-edge projection technology to recreate a 1950s Hollywood studio, giving audiences a glimpse behind the scenes of Norma Jeane’s journey to becoming a world-famous star.

Though films like Blonde, featuring Ana de Armas, have recently brought her story back into the spotlight, many new projects are working to show the human side of this iconic figure. The team behind Yellowstone is currently creating a limited series that will focus on the last months of her life, aiming for a compassionate and historically accurate portrayal. As these projects are released, her reputation as a pioneering woman who lived life on her own terms continues to resonate strongly.

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2026-02-19 20:15