The aftermath of Marilyn Monroe's tragic demise revealed a stark and neglected image of the iconic star.
This poignant scene unfolded as her mortal remains were transported to a Los Angeles cemetery by the two individuals entrusted with her funeral arrangements, a narrative documented in a book by Allan Abbot and Ron Hast.
The journey into death began with an unconventional hearse, originally purchased for $40 as a whimsical camping vehicle by Abbot and Hast. Little did they know that their first hearse would evolve into the final transport for Hollywood luminaries such as Monroe, Ernie Kovacs, Clark Gable, and Natalie Wood.
Monroe's condition in the mortuary painted a desolate picture. Abbot vividly describes the moment when the sheet covering her was removed, revealing a body unrecognizable as the glamorous star. "She looked like an ordinary, aging woman who hadn't taken much care of herself," recalls Abbot, noting the impact of the circumstances surrounding her death on her appearance.
The detailed account includes grim details such as purple blood clots on her face, pronounced neck swelling, her true brown hair color emerging, and the neglect of her personal grooming, evident in unshaved legs untouched for over a week.
The narrative then shifts to the transformative process of preparing Monroe for her funeral. The team faced challenges, including a search for panties in her wardrobe and the utilization of a blonde wig to conform to the public's perception of her image. The goal was to present a dignified and recognizable version of the actress during the final farewell.
The vigil, attended by one of Monroe's great loves and ex-husbands, baseball star Joe DiMaggio, was a poignant moment. DiMaggio stood by her coffin throughout the funeral procession. Today, Monroe rests in Westwood Cemetery, her grave a widely visited site in Los Angeles, embodying the enduring fascination with the enigmatic star.
