The Night Marilyn Monroe’s Radiance Dimmed for Broadway’s ‘Anne Frank’—A Secret Only the Stars Knew

On October 5, 1955, a landmark moment in Broadway history took place at the Cort Theatre with the premiere of The Diary of Anne Frank. Directed by Garson Kanin and starring 17-year-old Susan Strasberg in the title role, the production quickly garnered critical acclaim, running for an impressive 717 performances and winning the Tony Award for Best Play. It was a major event for Strasberg, marking her debut in a leading role on the Broadway stage. Yet, amid the excitement, one particular presence in the audience stood out—Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood actress and a close friend of Strasberg.

Marilyn Monroe, who was a prominent sex symbol of the 1950s, had already established herself as one of the most recognized faces in cinema by the time of the premiere. Despite her fame, Marilyn’s actions that night reflected her deep friendship with Susan. The two women shared a bond rooted in their mutual connection to the Actors Studio, where Susan’s father, Lee Strasberg, was a key figure and where Marilyn had sought acting coaching. Their friendship was well-documented in Susan’s memoirs, Marilyn and Me: Sisters, Rivals, Friends and Bittersweet, where she frequently reflected on their special relationship.

Marilyn’s Quiet Support

Although Marilyn was known for commanding attention wherever she went, the night of The Diary of Anne Frank’s premiere, she made a conscious choice to stay in the background, prioritizing her friend’s moment in the spotlight. According to Susan Strasberg’s memoir Bittersweet, Marilyn stayed in the balcony during intermission, deliberately avoiding the main audience area. She did not want to overshadow Susan’s Broadway debut, a significant moment in the young actress’s career. Susan recalled that Marilyn wept profusely during the play, deeply moved by the emotional performance unfolding on stage.

This was not an isolated incident of Marilyn’s sensitivity. It was reported that after the performance, she embraced Susan in a heartfelt hug at the curtain call, a gesture that highlighted her genuine support for her friend. This tender act of affection was not only a reflection of their personal bond but also demonstrated Marilyn’s awareness of the importance of Susan’s achievement.

A Deep Friendship Amid Professional Rivalry

The friendship between Marilyn and Susan was complex, reflecting both admiration and professional overlap. While Marilyn was already an established star, Susan, at just 17, was taking her first steps into the Broadway world. This marked a dynamic in their relationship where Marilyn, although a Hollywood icon, showed self-restraint, understanding the significance of Susan’s moment and choosing not to compete with it. Marilyn’s decision to “mute her light” and express her emotions privately in the balcony rather than be in the limelight herself underscores the depth of their bond.

This relationship between Marilyn and Susan was far from one-sided. While Marilyn offered her emotional support, Susan spoke fondly of Marilyn in her memoirs, often describing her as a sisterly figure who provided guidance during a period of immense pressure. Despite their professional differences and the stark contrast in their public personas—Hollywood glamour versus Broadway debut—Marilyn’s actions that night suggest a profound mutual respect and admiration between the two.

An Insight into Their Friendship

Marilyn’s choice to attend the premiere, refrain from dominating the scene, and emotionally support Susan through both the play and its aftermath reveals the often-overlooked complexities of her character. Known for her glamour and fame, Marilyn’s kindness and sensitivity in this moment reflect a side of her that went beyond her public persona. Susan Strasberg’s account of the evening highlights an intimate friendship built on empathy, understanding, and genuine affection.

While detailed accounts of Marilyn’s actions—such as staying in the balcony or her emotional reactions—are mostly found in Susan’s memoirs, these personal stories have been supported by various contemporary sources, including The Forward and Vanity Fair. These accounts lend credibility to the events as described, though there remains some uncertainty due to the personal nature of the sources. However, given Susan’s firsthand perspective and the enduring legacy of their friendship, it’s clear that the night was one of quiet, heartfelt support from one star to another.

Conclusion

The night of The Diary of Anne Frank’s premiere was a milestone for Susan Strasberg, and Marilyn Monroe’s presence and behavior that evening served as a testament to the strength of their friendship. Marilyn, despite her fame, chose to support Susan in a way that was both subtle and deeply emotional. This act of quiet support speaks to the genuine bond the two women shared, one that transcended the pressures of their respective careers and highlighted the humanity behind the Hollywood image. Marilyn’s choice to “mute her light” that night not only demonstrated her emotional depth but also cemented her role as a loyal and caring friend.