Lawrence Schiller, a renowned photographer, had a unique encounter with Marilyn Monroe, the iconic film star. During a photo shoot in her dressing room, Marilyn noticed that Lawrence did not close one of his eyes while taking pictures. Lawrence, in turn, explained to Marilyn that he was partially blind in one eye due to an accident in his childhood. This revelation sparked a shift in Marilyn’s demeanor from curiosity to concern, as she empathized with Lawrence’s story.
Their initial meeting took place in 1960 at the 20th Century Fox studios in Los Angeles, where Lawrence was assigned to photograph Marilyn during the filming of Let’s Make Love. Despite trying to maintain his composure, Lawrence was excited to meet the legendary actress. When Marilyn made her entrance wearing a black leotard and sheer stockings, Lawrence was struck by her beauty and aura of unapproachability.
As they interacted, Marilyn unexpectedly showed warmth and humor, breaking the ice with Lawrence by engaging in playful banter. Lawrence, thrilled by the encounter, jokingly remarked that Marilyn was going to make him famous on top of her existing fame.
Throughout his career, Lawrence captured significant moments of the 20th century, including the aftermath of President John F Kennedy’s assassination and images of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Now, at the age of 89, Lawrence has released a book titled “Marilyn & Me” to commemorate what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday.
The book features over 100 images of Marilyn, including rare outtakes from her final days. Lawrence reminisces about Marilyn’s keen eye for photography, as she would offer suggestions for better lighting and angles during their photo sessions. He describes Marilyn as a professional who meticulously prepared for each scene, showcasing her undeniable talent and power on set.
Despite Marilyn’s professional demeanor, Lawrence reveals the challenges she faced behind the scenes, including battles over pay and perceived lack of respect from the studio. Marilyn’s untimely death in 1962, ruled as a “probable suicide,” left a lasting impact on those who knew her, including Lawrence.
Reflecting on his memories of Marilyn, Lawrence shares that she remains a timeless and unforgettable presence in his life. He emphasizes the enduring legacy of Marilyn Monroe, whose voice and essence still resonate with him after more than five decades since their first meeting.
Lawrence’s book, “Marilyn & Me,” published by Taschen, offers a glimpse into the intimate moments shared between the photographer and the legendary actress, immortalizing Marilyn Monroe’s enduring charm and complexity.
