"Marilyn, Inc." with David Stenn

Send us a text

In this episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast, hear Part II of Scott and Elisa's conversation with David Stenn. (In Part I, we covered the true origin of Marilyn Monroe's birth name, Norma Jeane.) 

In Part II, we talk about an article David authored for the September/October 1982 issue of Film Comment magazine, in which he detailed the incredible mismanagement of Marilyn Monroe's estate after she died, which lasted for 20 years. Through research that started with his review of Marilyn Monroe's probate file, David uncovered astonishing facts about how poorly her will was administered following her death. The people Marilyn wanted taken care of after her death had to wait years for their inheritance from her. It was all due to the negligence of one man. This all started when David asked himself, "Who is it that's making the money from all of the Marilyn merchandise I see?"

We cover the following topics in our conversation:

• Was Marilyn Monroe really broke when she died?  
• Who did Marilyn leave her money and her personal possession to?
• Who was Marilyn Monroe's personal attorney, and executor and trustee of her estate? 
• Who was primarily responsible for following the direct wishes of her will?
• Were the explicit directions in her will actually followed? 

Tune in to learn the truth about how Marilyn Monroe's last wishes were not followed until years after she died. 

David is an American television writer, producer, biographer, film preservationist and historian David Stenn. His television credits include Untold Hollywood, Boardwalk Empire, Girl 27, the L Word, 21 Jump Street, Hill Street Blues, and Beverly Hills 90210. He's known for his biographies of Hollywood Stars, Clara Bow and Gene Harlow.   

Follow David online here:

Instagram: @realdavidstenn

YouTube: @realdavidstenn

See David's article in the September/October 1982 issue of Film Comment magazine here. 

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

Credits
Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor