Joanna Maharaj
asked
Charles Casillo:
Hello! Would you be able to confirm that Marilyn and Dorothy Dandridge were friends at some point in their lives?
Charles Casillo
Hi, Joanna. Nice to hear from you. I have heard quite a few sources say that Dorothy and Marilyn were friends. They met early in their careers in acting classes (the spring of 1947 at the Actors Lab). And it was Dorothy who recommended that Marilyn take voice lessons with her friend Phil Moore. And Marilyn most certainly studied with him (if you google Marilyn Monroe Phil Moore you will see photos of them rehearsing together). Dorothy and Marilyn had a lot in common, such as being beautiful and famous sex symbols in search of lasting love. They both had troubles with the studio system. It is said, that Marilyn would visit Dorothy in her home.They both made a movie with Otto Preminger in 1954 and it is likely their paths crossed in that year. Since they both could be insomniacs they would call each other in the late night hours, the blue hour. Both Dorothy and Marilyn were good friends with Peter Lawford. Since Lawford was very known for having parties, it is likely MM and DD attended gatherings together at his home. I don't know if many people know this, but Marilyn once lived in the apartment building that Dorothy died in.
On Marilyn's death in 1962, Dorothy said: “I never thought of Marilyn as a tragic figure. She was full of joy and excitement for living. Sure she had her moods, but mostly she was a happy girl. Her problem was in believing. She believed people even after they disappointed her over and over.” That sounds like an observation of someone talking about a friend. As of yet, there are no existing photos of the two together. But I wouldn't be surprised if one shows up someday. For example, Marilyn was friends with Natalie Wood and no photos of them together have come to light yet. Still, new photos pop up every year.
On Marilyn's death in 1962, Dorothy said: “I never thought of Marilyn as a tragic figure. She was full of joy and excitement for living. Sure she had her moods, but mostly she was a happy girl. Her problem was in believing. She believed people even after they disappointed her over and over.” That sounds like an observation of someone talking about a friend. As of yet, there are no existing photos of the two together. But I wouldn't be surprised if one shows up someday. For example, Marilyn was friends with Natalie Wood and no photos of them together have come to light yet. Still, new photos pop up every year.
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