Let’s talk about Marilyn Monroe, the legendary Hollywood icon who was much more than just a pretty face. Her 1956 film Bus Stop gave us unforgettable moments, but behind the scenes, it was a different story. Don Murray, who starred alongside her, recently opened up about the challenges Marilyn faced during filming. At 89 years old, Don shared exclusive insights with Closer Weekly, giving us a glimpse into the star's personal battles. “She was extremely anxious,” Don revealed, adding that Marilyn's stress manifested in physical ways. “Every time we shot a scene, she'd break out in a rash,” he recalled, emphasizing the toll her anxiety took on her during production.
Monroe's Skin Issues and Makeup Artists' Struggles
Marilyn’s skin condition became so severe that the production crew had to call in professional makeup artists to conceal her blemishes. Despite their best efforts, it was nearly impossible to make her look flawless during certain scenes, especially those involving close-ups or intimate moments with Don. The pressure was immense, not just for Marilyn but also for the team working tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain her image. These challenges highlight the immense pressure placed on stars during that era, where perfection was not just expected but demanded.
Uncomfortable Scenes and Directorial Directions
During the filming of Bus Stop, Marilyn and Don shared an intimate scene where she appeared naked in bed. The tension was palpable, as Marilyn struggled with her anxiety. “She kept rolling around and accidentally exposing herself,” Don explained. The director, Joshua Logan, had to come up with quick solutions. “Whenever she moved, I was instructed to slip my hand in and cover her!” Don joked, adding that it was all part of making the scene work while keeping Marilyn comfortable.
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Despite Don’s best efforts, Marilyn often found herself at odds with the production team. “After the first day of shooting, Joshua came to me and said, ‘Marilyn has a tendency to miss her marks,’” Don remembered. The director tasked Don with physically guiding Marilyn back into position whenever she strayed. However, this approach didn’t always sit well with Marilyn, who grew frustrated when Don would attempt to adjust her. Once, she even swung the sequined tail of her costume across his face, cutting his eyelid. Don admitted he wanted to confront her but was advised by Joshua to avoid such conflicts, acknowledging the delicate balance required when working with a star as complex as Marilyn.
Acting Coach and Onset Dynamics
To help her navigate the complexities of her role, Marilyn brought in Paula Strasberg, a colleague from New York City’s prestigious Actors Studio. Paula observed and provided guidance between takes, becoming a crucial support system for Marilyn. “She was friendly, nice, and a very good influence on Marilyn,” Don said. However, not everyone shared Don’s sentiment. During the filming of How to Marry a Millionaire, Marilyn’s co-star Lauren Bacall expressed frustration with Marilyn’s reliance on her acting coach, saying she seemed disconnected from both her co-stars and the director.
Marilyn’s struggles extended beyond just missing marks. “She would lose track of scenes very quickly,” Don admitted. The production team had to piece together her performance from smaller segments, which made it challenging to capture the essence of a complete scene. This added pressure on Don to deliver his best performance in every take, ensuring the scenes flowed seamlessly. “I couldn’t afford to have a letdown,” he confessed, highlighting the mutual pressure they both faced.
Don’s Perspective on Marilyn’s Generosity
Though Bus Stop was Don’s first major film and the experience was somewhat unconventional, he harbored no resentment toward Marilyn. “I never really held it against her,” he reflected. In fact, he saw her decision to cast him in the leading role as an act of generosity, given his lack of film experience. “I was always aware of that and grateful to her,” he said. This mutual respect underscores the complexities of their working relationship, where tension and admiration coexisted.
