Ana de Armas’ Powerful Tribute to Marilyn Monroe: The Unexpected Act of Respect Before ‘Blonde’ Filming

In a poignant gesture of reverence, Ana de Armas and the Blonde crew visited Marilyn Monroe’s grave on their first day of production to leave a letter “asking for permission” to tell the Hollywood icon’s story. This symbolic act, which took place at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles, reflected the cast and crew’s deep awareness of the responsibility they carried in portraying one of the most beloved and complicated figures in American pop culture.

The Film and Its Weighty Undertaking

Directed by Andrew Dominik and based on Joyce Carol Oates’s acclaimed 2000 novel, Blonde offers a fictionalized account of Monroe’s life, delving into her struggles as Norma Jeane Mortenson, the woman behind the public persona. Released on Netflix on September 28, 2022, the film sparked controversy for its unflinching portrayal of Monroe’s personal pain, earning an NC-17 rating and igniting debates about fact versus fiction in biographical storytelling.

This context underscores why de Armas, who plays Monroe, and the production team felt compelled to acknowledge the gravity of their undertaking. By visiting Monroe’s final resting place, they sought not only to pay homage but also to connect with the late star’s enduring legacy.

A Thoughtful Tribute

De Armas described the visit in an interview with AnOther Magazine, revealing that the crew brought a large card, signed by everyone, and placed it on Monroe’s grave. “We were asking for permission in a way,” she explained, highlighting the collective sense of respect and responsibility among the team.

Adding to the emotional weight of the moment, the visit took place on August 4, 2022—the anniversary of Monroe’s tragic death in 1962. The timing lent the act a profound layer of significance, transforming what could have been a routine production kickoff into a meaningful tribute on a historic date.

Acknowledging Norma Jeane, Not Just Marilyn

The gesture was deeply connected to Blonde’s narrative focus on Norma Jeane, the woman beneath the Marilyn Monroe persona. As de Armas noted, the crew felt a particular responsibility in portraying her private struggles, rather than simply rehashing her glamorous public image. The letter on her grave symbolized a request for understanding and support as they set out to tell a story rooted in both empathy and honesty.

A Hollywood Tradition of Reverence

The visit also reflects a broader tradition in filmmaking, where artists aim to honor the memory of the real-life figures they portray. Whether through personal tributes, consultations with the subject’s family, or symbolic acts such as this one, these gestures acknowledge the weight of bringing historical icons back to life on screen. In Monroe’s case, her status as a global cultural icon makes such a gesture particularly significant, highlighting the unique challenges and pressures of retelling her story.

A Collaborative Effort

While de Armas often spoke about feeling a spiritual connection to Monroe during filming—once even claiming she sensed Monroe’s presence on set—the grave visit was not just a personal moment. The entire cast and crew participated, reinforcing that this was a collective effort. Sources including People and Entertainment Weekly corroborate the event, underlining that it wasn’t solely the actress’s initiative but rather a shared acknowledgment of the film’s monumental task.

A Gesture That Resonates

By visiting Marilyn Monroe’s grave, Ana de Armas and the Blonde team sought to honor the memory of the woman they were about to depict—a woman whose life, legacy, and struggles remain both inspiring and deeply complex. This act of leaving a letter on her grave served as a symbolic step, not only for the production but also as a reflection of Hollywood’s ongoing efforts to approach real-life stories with care and respect.