Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor: Allies, Not Rivals In Hollywood'S Golden Era

Hollywood's Leading Ladies: No Rivalry, Just Respect

In the glitzy world of Hollywood during the '50s and early '60s, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor stood as towering icons of beauty and talent. Yet, contrary to popular belief, these two superstars didn’t see each other as rivals. Charles Casillo, in his detailed biography, "Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon," reveals that the supposed competition was more a creation of the media than reality. "In many ways [they] were pitted against each other by the press," he notes, emphasizing that the pair barely knew one another and shared no animosity.

A Gesture of Solidarity in Troubled Times

An illuminating incident in 1962 highlights the camaraderie between the two. As 20th Century Fox grappled with the financial drain caused by Elizabeth's extravaganza, "Cleopatra," they decided to cut costs by firing Marilyn from her film "Something’s Gotta Give," which was never completed. Marilyn suspected her dismissal was a move to redirect funds to complete the lavish Egyptian epic. However, Elizabeth reached out, offering her solidarity to Marilyn during this turbulent period.

“Liz told Marilyn she was willing to publicly demonstrate her solidarity,” Casillo shares, revealing that Elizabeth even considered quitting "Cleopatra" unless Marilyn was rehired.

Although Marilyn was deeply touched by Elizabeth’s offer, she chose not to escalate the situation, declining the generous gesture.

Words of Wisdom from One Icon to Another

Instead of taking drastic actions, Elizabeth provided Marilyn with some timeless advice. "No matter what they write about me, Marilyn, I never deny it," Casillo quotes Elizabeth as saying. "I never confirm it. I just keep smiling and walking forward. You do the same." Tragically, Marilyn’s life was cut short before she could fully embrace this advice, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate the world.

This story, "Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor Had ‘No Animosity Toward Each Other’ Despite Rumored Competition," first appeared on the National Examiner.