Lawrence Schiller, a renowned photographer, shared an intimate moment with Marilyn Monroe during a photoshoot. While capturing her in her dressing room, Marilyn noticed that Lawrence did not close his eye while shooting, prompting him to explain that he was blind in one eye due to a childhood accident. Marilyn’s expression shifted from curiosity to concern as he narrated his story, revealing her compassionate side.

Their friendship began in 1960 when Lawrence first met Marilyn on the set of Let’s Make Love at 20th Century Fox studios in Los Angeles. Despite his excitement, he tried to maintain composure. Marilyn, initially appearing unapproachable, unexpectedly greeted Lawrence warmly, sparking a humorous exchange between them.

Lawrence, now 89, has immortalized Marilyn in his book, Marilyn & Me, released to commemorate her centenary year. The book features over 100 images, including rare outtakes, capturing Marilyn’s essence during her final days. Lawrence recalls Marilyn’s keen eye for photography, guiding him to capture her best angles with expert knowledge of lighting.

The book also sheds light on Marilyn’s struggles with the studio system, feeling undervalued and underpaid despite her immense talent. Lawrence reminisces about Marilyn’s unpredictable behavior on set, where she often disregarded schedules and caused delays, driven by her battles with the studio over fair treatment.

Despite Marilyn’s tumultuous life and tragic end in 1962, Lawrence remembers her as a captivating and powerful presence. He believes Marilyn’s legacy has only grown stronger over the years, emphasizing her enduring impact on him personally. Through his book, Lawrence seeks to encapsulate the essence of Marilyn Monroe, a timeless icon whose voice and spirit still resonate with him to this day.

*Marilyn & Me by Lawrence Schiller, published by Taschen, is available now for £30.