Marilyn Monroe’s Close Friend Says the Icon Was ‘a Gentle Soul’ Behind the Fame

Marilyn Monroe became one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable stars, but one of her closest friends says the woman behind the fame was far gentler and more grounded than the public ever realized.

Ahead of what would be Monroe’s 100th birthday on June 1, longtime fan-turned friend James Haspiel candidly opened up about the actress’ private side during an exclusive interview with People published on Wednesday, May 6.

Haspiel first met Monroe in September 1954 while she was filming The Seven Year Itch in New York City. At the time, he was just a 16-year-old fan waiting overnight to watch the now-iconic subway grate scene being filmed in Manhattan.

While audiences saw the glamorous Marilyn Monroe, Haspiel said the actress privately remained “Norma Jeane,” referencing her birth name, Norma Jeane Baker.

“The ‘Marilyn Monroe’ everybody knew was a costume,” Haspiel told the outlet. “It was her invention.”

Over time, Haspiel became part of Monroe’s trusted circle and said she often showed kindness away from cameras and Hollywood attention. He recalled Monroe quietly visiting the Bowery during the 1950s to hand money to unhoused people without drawing attention to herself.

“She went as Norma Jeane. No makeup. Slacks, no heels,” he remembered.

Haspiel also shared a story about Monroe paying local boys to release pigeons they had captured near her apartment on East 57th Street.

“She gave them a quarter per pigeon, and they opened the cage and freed the pigeons,” he claimed in the interview. “This is who she was.”

Monroe tragically died on August 4, 1962, at age 36 from a drug overdose that was ruled a probable suicide, per History. This loss that Haspiel said deeply affected him for years.

“When I learned that she had died, I cried for two years,” he shared with People.

For decades, Haspiel avoided publicly discussing their friendship because he wanted Monroe to “rest in peace.” He later decided to speak out after growing frustrated with what he believed were inaccurate portrayals of the star’s life.

“I got so sick of the Marilyn that was being invented to make money,” he said.

Now, nearly 100 years after Monroe’s birth, Haspiel believes her legacy continues because people still connect with the warmth and vulnerability behind her Hollywood image.

“There is a child being born today that 15 years from now will fall in love with her,” he said.

Years after losing his beloved friend, Haspiel proudly reiterates that Monroe’s humanity remains what stands out most to him. “She was a gentle soul.”