The passing of Joan Copeland on January 5 at the age of 99 marked the end of an era, revealing a connection to Hollywood's most iconic figures, particularly Marilyn Monroe.
As the sister of renowned playwright Arthur Miller, Copeland shared a close, passionate, and tumultuous relationship with Monroe, adding depth to the narratives surrounding the Hollywood diva.
Arthur Miller, in reflection on his marriage with Marilyn Monroe, famously stated, "Marilyn was proof that s----lity and seriousness could not coexist in a person."
Despite the eventual dissolution of their marriage, years earlier, Miller was captivated by Monroe's authenticity, freedom, and beauty. Their paths crossed at a Hollywood party, where Elia Kazan entrusted Miller with looking after "his girl," Marilyn, leading to the commencement of a love affair.
Arthur, then married to Mary Slattery, fell in love with Monroe during the party, sparking a secret relationship that endured for five years. Despite his established family life, Miller's attraction to Monroe eventually led to a divorce, setting the stage for a relationship that defied societal expectations.
The couple, with starkly different public personas, announced their intention to marry, with Monroe converting to Judaism as a gesture of love and respect for Miller. The wedding, which took place on June 29, 1956, was meant to be a joyous occasion, yet it became marred by a tragedy that haunted Monroe for the rest of her days.
The wedding coincided with the death of young journalist Mara Scherbatoff, covering the event as a paparazzi. Unbeknownst to the couple, Scherbatoff pursued them and tragically lost her life in a car accident while trying to photograph them. The guilt from this incident lingered with Monroe, casting a shadow over what was meant to be her happiest day.
The couple faced the press after the accident, Marilyn visibly affected, expressing the belief that Mara would still be alive if not for their presence. In contrast, Miller attributed the tragedy to the harshness of the press. Despite the somber backdrop, the couple proceeded with the wedding at dusk, with only close family as witnesses. The official celebration occurred later in July in New York, with 30 guests in attendance.
Monroe made earnest attempts to integrate into Miller's family, caring for his children and adopting the role of a devoted wife. However, the strains of their relationship, compounded by Monroe's personal struggles with substance abuse and rumors of infidelity on both sides, led to their separation in 1961, marking the end of their tumultuous love story.
During the filming of their last project together, 'The Misfits,' Monroe exhibited signs of declining mental health and a troubled lifestyle, while Miller found himself drawn to another woman, the photographer Inge Morath, on the same set. The fairy tale between Monroe and Miller was short-lived, leaving behind a legacy of passion, tragedy, and an enduring imprint on Hollywood's history.
