Frimley and its surrounded areas have homed some famous faces throughout the decades but unbeknown to CommunityAd the most iconic and famous actress of all time was, for a time, based here. Michelle Morgan is a best-selling author who has written at length about Marilyn Monroe and is penning another book about her time in England and she needs your help, reader, your memories of Marilyn!
So, Michelle, explain to our readers if you may what it is about Marilyn that has led you to write extensively about her? And why are you writing this latest book including memories of Marilyn?
I first discovered Marilyn when I was 15 years old (way back in 1985!), and I have loved her ever since. As a teenager, I loved her style and her determination to achieve something that most people only dream of – a creative career. I have always been inspired by her talent, her bravery, her quick-wit, and of course, I love her films.
In 1992, I decided that I wanted to write a book about Marilyn’s trip to England. She came over here to work on The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier in 1956, and although it has been mentioned in every Marilyn biography, there has never been a book solely about the trip. I wanted to change that, but while I did do some initial research, it just wasn’t the right time in terms of finding an agent and a publisher.
Over the years I have written many books about Marilyn, but the England one has always held a place in my heart. Last year, my editor asked if I had any ideas for my next book, and it just occurred to me to ask about this one. I couldn’t believe it when he loved the idea, and after several meetings, it was commissioned. It just shows you – never give up! ‘When Marilyn Met the Queen’ will be published in January 2022, which will be a full thirty years since I first had the idea to write it!
How can our readers help you in the research of this book? What are you searching for?
I would like to hear from anyone who may have met Marilyn during her England trip, or kept a scrapbook, or remember the impact she had over here, or have heard stories passed down by their parents or grandparents. Perhaps someone saw Marilyn while she lived in Englefield Green, or maybe their granddad worked on The Prince and the Showgirl. Whatever it is, I’d love to hear from them, because no matter how tiny the memory is, it’s all worthwhile for my book.
I imagine you’ve unearthed some fascinating little encounters that people have had with Marilyn Monroe over the years?
I have been so honoured to interview well over one hundred people who met Marilyn during her lifetime. From fans, to friends, family and co-stars, it has been a real honour to hear their stories. From an England perspective, I’ve heard from people who worked with Marilyn, but also many who used to hang around her house in Englefield Green, hoping for a sighting or an autograph! I have even interviewed several students who broke into the grounds of her home one night, in order to sing to Marilyn under her window!
They didn’t get to meet the actress, but they did receive a lot of attention from the police, who chased them through the bushes and back out onto the road! For the students, it remained a wonderful and fun adventure, even though they were unable to meet Marilyn. She did hear them though! Her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, later wrote that the couple stood at the window and watched the proceedings, but while Marilyn wondered if she should go out or to wave from the window, she couldn’t because of security concerns.
Is there anything else you’d like to add at all?
Just a huge thank you to anyone who might be able to help with a memory or two. The stories will all add colour to my book, and I’m grateful to everyone who takes the time to get in touch. If anyone would like to keep up with my Marilyn in England project, they can do so by following me on social media – @MMWriterGirl on Twitter and Instagram, or The Official Michelle Morgan Author Page on Facebook.