Marilyn Monroe, the quintessential pop culture icon of sensuality and beauty, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and fashion. Her life was a mix of shining success and heartbreaking struggles, ultimately culminating in her untimely death at the age of 36. As we delve into the life and Marilyn Monroe's last meal, we are confronted with a captivating tale that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences decades after her passing.
An apparent suicide, the circumstances around her death in 1962 are suspicious and remain a heavily-debated topic for conspiracy theorists today Many have challenged the reports that Monroe killed herself and numerous theories exist that she was actually murdered. The most prominent suggestions for why she was murdered is that she knew too much about either the Kennedy brothers as she apparently had affairs with both Bobby and Jack or fingers have been pointed at organised crime, in particular Sam Giancana, the boss of the Chicago outfit.
Sam Giancana and Marilyn were known to be friends and she saw his day to day activities on a number of occasions. Perhaps Giancana was uncomfortable with someone in the spotlight knowing so much? Or perhaps she was capable of connecting a prominent national figure such as a Kennedy brother to organised crime?
You can skip to more about the blonde bombshell's life here, but it is fitting that the luxuriously stuffed mushrooms and meatballs was Marilyn Monroe's last meal, one she enjoyed in her Los Angeles home before she was found dead the following morning of an overdose.
Ingredients:
2/3 Portabello Mushrooms
4 Garlic Cloves
200g Cream Cheese
60g Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Tbsp Paprika
1/2 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 white onion
250g Pork Mince
250g Beef Mince
1 egg
1 tbsp Fresh Parsley
50g Plain Flour
Method to cook Marilyn Monroe's Last Meal:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C & clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel
2. Carefully remove the stems of the mushrooms and chop extremely fine
3. In a bowl, combine the mushroom stalks, 3 cloves of garlic, cream cheese, parmesan, cayenne pepper and onion powder mixing until homogenous. Season to taste with salt & freshly ground black pepper.
5. The mixture should be very thick at this point. Use a tablespoon to spoon a generous amount of the mixture into the mushrooms.
6. Transfer the mushrooms to an oiled baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until liquid begins to form under the caps of the mushrooms.
7. In a bowl add the Pork & Beef mince, 1 large grated onion, the egg, parsley & garlic and combine. Salt & Pepper to taste
9. Roll the mixture out into meatball sized balls and then dust in flour and leave on baking tray
10. Heat 3 inches of oil in a skillet and fry the meatballs on both sides for 3/4 minutes until golden brown & drain on a wire rack
11. Make a marinara sauce by sauteing 1 large onion until soft, adding 3 crushed cloves of garlic and sauteing for an extra 30 seconds before adding 300g chopped tomatoes & 2 tbsp basil. Simmer for 20 minutes before returning the meatballs to the sauce and simmering for a further 20 minutes
12. Remove your mushrooms from the oven and plate up with the meatballs
13. Enjoy & go easy on the sleeping pills, obviously.
The Life & Mysterious Death of Marilyn Monroe
Born Norma Jeane Baker on June 21, 1926, in Los Angeles, Marilyn's early life was marred by a tumultuous upbringing. Raised by foster parents due to her mother Gladys Pearl Baker's unstable mental state, Marilyn underwent a constant shuffle between orphanages and foster homes during her formative years. This chaotic childhood left her with a shy and reserved disposition that would later contrast starkly with her public image.
At just 16 years old, she married Jimmy Daugherty, only to see the marriage dissolve shortly thereafter. Seeking financial independence, she found herself working at a munitions factory during World War II. It was in this unlikely setting that fate intervened. A local photographer recognized her captivating beauty and photogenic charm, leading to her first steps into the world of modeling. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey to stardom.
In 1946, she shed her mundane name and adopted the iconic moniker Marilyn Monroe. The following years saw her transition from modeling to acting, marked by low-key roles that gradually led to her breakthrough in films like "Niagara," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," and "How to Marry a Millionaire." Her enchanting performances and undeniable charisma propelled her into Hollywood's elite.
Yet, fame was a double-edged sword for Monroe. While she soared to unparalleled stardom, she was often typecast as the "Dumb Blonde," a label that clashed with her aspirations for deeper and more meaningful roles. However, she persevered and was eventually rewarded with a Golden Globe for her role in "Some Like It Hot," proving her critics wrong and showcasing her acting prowess.
Despite her professional successes, Monroe's personal life was marred by turmoil. Marriages to baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller garnered intense media attention, fueled by the unlikely pairing of an intellectual and a glamorous Hollywood icon. These relationships, along with reported affairs with figures like Frank Sinatra and John F. Kennedy, showcased her tumultuous romantic journey.
Tragically, her struggles extended beyond her love life. Battles with depression and barbiturate addiction often left her bedridden for weeks at a time. These internal demons likely played a role in her untimely demise in 1962, when she was found dead from an overdose of barbiturates. While her death was officially ruled a suicide, it sparked a plethora of conspiracy theories that continue to captivate minds to this day.
One prevalent theory involves her alleged connections to the Kennedy brothers, both of whom she reportedly had affairs with. Some believe that her knowledge of these relationships could have posed a threat to their public personas and even implicated them in organized crime. This theory speculates that she was silenced to protect their reputations.
Another theory points to her friendship with Sam Giancana, the boss of the Chicago outfit, and her apparent knowledge of his activities. Some suggest that her willingness to expose these operations led to her demise, orchestrated in a manner reminiscent of mafia-style assassinations.
As we examine Marilyn Monroe's life, we are confronted with a complex and multifaceted personality. She encapsulated the glamour and allure of Hollywood while battling personal demons that often went unnoticed by the public eye. Her legacy endures, serving as a reminder of the price of fame and the lingering mysteries that surround her untimely death.
While the question of whether Marilyn Monroe's death was a suicide or the result of foul play remains unanswered, what is undeniable is her enduring impact on popular culture. Monroe's legacy lives on through her timeless films, iconic images, and the ongoing fascination with her life and death. Whether through her captivating performances or the enigma of her final days, Marilyn Monroe's story continues to captivate hearts and minds around the world.
Click here watch me recreate Marilyn Monroe's last meal