How Marilyn Monroe’s Unexpected Friendship Helped Ella Fitzgerald Break Racial Barriers in Hollywood

Marilyn Monroe, a name synonymous with beauty and Hollywood glamour, is often remembered for her dazzling smile and iconic screen presence. However, beneath the myth of the bombshell was a woman who possessed intelligence, kindness, and a deep appreciation for fellow artists. One of the most poignant examples of Monroe’s compassion and support for her peers was her pivotal role in launching the career of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.

In the 1950s, America was still grappling with the effects of segregation and rampant racism. For Black artists like Ella Fitzgerald, who was striving to establish herself in a predominantly white industry, opportunities were limited, especially in places like Hollywood. The Mocambo, a high-profile nightclub on the Sunset Strip, was a key venue in the city where the stars of the time gathered, including the likes of Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and Lana Turner. It was the kind of place where an artist could make their mark, and for a young, aspiring Fitzgerald, performing there was a dream she longed to fulfill.

However, there was one major hurdle: The Mocambo, like many establishments of the time, had a racial bias that excluded Black musicians, particularly jazz performers, from gracing its stage. For most artists, this would have meant the end of the road. But fate, and Monroe, had other plans.

A Meeting of Minds and Hearts

Marilyn Monroe, by the mid-1950s, was already disillusioned with Hollywood. Seeking intellectual stimulation and a break from the superficiality of Los Angeles, she ventured to New York. It was there, amidst the city’s vibrant arts scene, that Monroe discovered a new love—jazz music. One evening, at a buzzing New York venue, she heard the soulful voice of Ella Fitzgerald and was instantly captivated. Monroe recognized Fitzgerald’s incredible talent and admired her deeply.

When Monroe learned that Fitzgerald’s dream of performing at the Mocambo was hindered by the club’s racist policies, she knew she had to step in. With the kind of influence only Monroe could wield, she made a phone call that would change Fitzgerald’s life forever.

The Phone Call That Changed Everything

Monroe personally contacted the owner of the Mocambo and demanded that Fitzgerald be booked. “I want her there, and if you book her, I’ll make sure I’m there every night,” Monroe told him. As the reigning starlet of the time, Monroe’s presence at the club was magnetic. The owner of the Mocambo knew that if Monroe was there, the media would follow, and the club would be filled with the stars and attention that could launch Fitzgerald’s career.

True to her word, Monroe was front and center at the club every night Fitzgerald performed. Her presence at the Mocambo ensured that the venue treated Fitzgerald with the respect she deserved and that the singer’s talent would be recognized by the right people. “Marilyn was there, front table, every night,” Fitzgerald later recalled with deep gratitude.

A Lasting Legacy of Kindness

The impact of Monroe’s support was transformative for Fitzgerald. Thanks to Monroe’s unwavering friendship and her use of stardom to benefit others, Fitzgerald’s career took off in ways she hadn’t imagined. “The press went overboard,” Fitzgerald said. “After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again.”

Monroe’s influence was not just a matter of booking a gig for Fitzgerald—it was about providing her with the opportunity to perform in front of the right audience and giving her the platform she needed to become a household name. Fitzgerald went on to become one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, her career flourishing from that pivotal moment.

The Power of Using Influence for Good

Marilyn Monroe’s friendship with Ella Fitzgerald is a remarkable story of using fame and privilege to uplift others. In a time when racism was entrenched in the entertainment industry, Monroe stood as a beacon of support for a Black artist who had long been denied the opportunities she deserved. Monroe’s actions not only helped Fitzgerald find success but also demonstrated the power of solidarity and the importance of using one’s platform to help others thrive.

While Monroe is often remembered for her roles on the silver screen, it is her real-life kindness and empathy that continues to resonate. Her support for Ella Fitzgerald is a shining example of how one person’s influence can change the trajectory of another’s career—and life. Fitzgerald herself acknowledged the profound impact Monroe had on her journey, and their friendship remains a testament to the quiet but powerful ways that kindness can shape history.