Marilyn Monroe is undoubtedly one of the most famous actresses in film history, and for many, perhaps the most recognizable. Throughout her career, she worked with a large number of actors and actresses, many of whom were equally iconic and extremely popular in their time. These collaborations not only marked important moments in her filmography but also helped cement her status as an undisputed Hollywood star. In this article, we will look at what could be considered the ten most popular actors and actresses Marilyn worked with, highlighting their historical significance and some of the most memorable films in which they shared the screen.
Bette Davis
Marilyn Monroe and Bette Davis collaborated in All About Eve. At that time, Davis was the lead, playing Margo, while Marilyn had a small supporting role as Claudia Casswell. All About Eve, along with The Asphalt Jungle, were the films that began to bring Marilyn fame, but at that moment she was an ambitious young unknown, while Davis had been a superstar since the 1930s. Although they did not share many scenes, Bette Davis initially felt some jealousy toward Marilyn, thinking she was a girl who didn’t know what it meant to be alone. However, upon getting to know her, she realized that Marilyn was shy and just as lonely as she was. Davis also noted that Marilyn was very ambitious, knew what she wanted, and took it very seriously.
Barbara Stanwyck
Marilyn Monroe and Barbara Stanwyck collaborated in Clash by Night. Stanwyck played the lead role of Mae, while Marilyn portrayed Peggy, Mae’s sister-in-law, a supporting but prominent role. At that time, Barbara Stanwyck was already an established star, while Marilyn was rapidly rising in fame and recognition. In the film, their characters got along quite well. Barbara Stanwyck remarked that Marilyn was not particularly disciplined, as she often arrived late, but she acknowledged that there was something magical about her.
Cary Grant
Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant collaborated in Monkey Business. Cary Grant was the lead, playing Dr. Fulton, while Marilyn had a supporting but prominent role as secretary Lois Laurel. At that time, Cary Grant was already a major star, while Marilyn was on the rise: she was becoming increasingly famous and receiving bigger roles, though she was not yet the major star she would later become. Grant and Marilyn shared many scenes, and it is notable that Grant is one of the few people known to have received a slap from Marilyn in a scene. Grant remarked that he did not think Marilyn would become a big star, describing her as shy and noting that her childhood seemed sad to him.
Jane Russell
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell had a legendary collaboration in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Both were leads, playing best friends and girls from Little Rock, Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw. At that time, Jane Russell was already an established star, while Marilyn was in the process of becoming a major star; in fact, this film helped consolidate her status.Unlike other collaborations, Marilyn and Jane got along very well and became friends, although they did not keep in frequent contact afterward. Jane noticed that Marilyn was very intelligent, and they often discussed topics like religion, psychology, philosophy, and litera ture. Both remembered each other fondly and spoke very positively about their collaboration in interviews.
Lauren Bacall
Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall had a major collaboration in How to Marry a Millionaire. Both were leads: Lauren played Schatze Page, and Marilyn played Pola Debevoise. At that time, Lauren Bacall was already an established star, while Marilyn was the new sensation, the rising star. Lauren Bacall mentioned Marilyn’s delays on set but noted that there was no malice in her and that she was extremely sweet. They got along well during filming, although they did not develop a close relationship like the one Marilyn had with Jane Russell.
Robert Mitchum
Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum collaborated in River of No Return, one of the most underrated films of Marilyn’s career. Both were leads: Robert Mitchum played Matt, Mark’s father, while Marilyn portrayed Kay, the saloon singer. At that time, Mitchum was already a star, but Marilyn had just become the star of the moment, even more popular than him. Interestingly, Marilyn and Robert Mitchum already knew each other; Mitchum had previously worked with James Dougherty, Marilyn’s first husband. Upon meeting her, he thought she was sweet and shy. During the filming of River of No Return, they got along quite well. Mitchum noted that Marilyn needed a figure outside of the director, preferably a woman, to reassure her that she was doing well. He was very protective of her during conflicts with Otto Preminger.
Tony Curtis
Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis had a legendary collaboration in Some Like It Hot. Both were leads: Tony Curtis played the saxophonist Joe, and Marilyn played the singer Sugar Kane. At that time, both were stars, but Marilyn was far more famous. Marilyn and Tony had already known each other since 1949, when they were young, unknown actors, and they had a romantic relationship and got along well personally. During the filming of Some Like It Hot, their relationship was more complicated: Tony was frustrated with Marilyn’s delays and the many takes she required, although they also shared good moments together. Tony Curtis once said that kissing her was like kissing Hitler, which upset Marilyn, but despite that, he always remembered her fondly and with respect.
Jack Lemmon
Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon collaborated in Some Like It Hot, both as leads. Lemmon played Jerry, the bassist, and Marilyn played Sugar Kane, the singer. At that time, Marilyn was already a major superstar, while Lemmon was known, though his fame grew significantly thanks to this film. During filming, they got along well, although Lemmon was sometimes frustrated by Marilyn’s delays and the many takes she required. Still, he always emphasized that she was excellent as a comedic actress and spoke of her with great respect.
Clark Gable
Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable collaborated in The Misfits, both as leads. Gable played the cowboy Gay, while Marilyn played Roslyn. At that time, both were established superstars. Marilyn had admired Gable deeply since her childhood, seeing him as a father figure, one of the many she had throughout her life. During filming, they got along wonderfully and developed a relationship of mutual respect and affection. Gable’s death deeply affected Marilyn, and she always remembered him with admiration.
Montgomery Clift
Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift collaborated in The Misfits, both as leads. Clift played the cowboy Perce, while Marilyn played Roslyn. At that time, both were major stars and were going through personal difficulties. Marilyn and Clift had known each other for a long time and were very good friends. Both were method actors who felt like outsiders in the film world and had great mutual respect. Marilyn’s death deeply affected Clift, although his own would occur shortly afterward.
Conclusion
Throughout her career, Marilyn Monroe worked with some of the most important and popular figures in Hollywood, from established superstars like Bette Davis, Clark Gable, and Barbara Stanwyck, to emerging talents like Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. These collaborations not only demonstrate the magnitude of her fame, but also the admiration many of her colleagues felt for her, even in the face of her well-known challenges on set. Marilyn was not just an icon of beauty and glamour: she was a versatile, committed, and groundbreaking actress who left an indelible mark on those who worked with her. Her ability to shine alongside cinema giants—and often outshine them—demonstrates why she remains one of Hollywood’s most influential and memorable figures. These relationships with her co-stars also reveal the human side of Marilyn: sensitive, intelligent, demanding of herself, and capable of inspiring affection and respect in those around her. Ultimately, exploring the actors and actresses Marilyn collaborated with reminds us that her legend extends beyond the screen, built through her relationships, her professionalism, and her extraordinary capacity to leave a lasting impression on both audiences and colleagues alike.
References
Casillo, Charles (2018). Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon. pp. 56-57.
Spoto, Donald (1993). Marilyn Monroe: The Biography. pp. 194-195.
Spoto, Donald (1993). Marilyn Monroe: The Biography. pp. 230-233.
Spoto, Donald (1993). Marilyn Monroe: The Biography. pp. 81-82, 243-246.
Spoto, Donald (1993). Marilyn Monroe: The Biography. pp. 399-401.
Spoto, Donald (1993). Marilyn Monroe: The Biography. pp. 45, 54, 296-297, 432-438, 449-451.
Spoto, Donald (1993). Marilyn Monroe: The Biography. pp. 432-438, 455.
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