The Actor Marilyn Monroe Was Terrified of: Her Struggles with Stage Fright Revealed!

Marilyn Monroe, the quintessential Hollywood icon, continues to captivate the world even decades after her passing. Known for her blonde bombshell persona, Monroe rose to fame as the ultimate sex symbol, gracing screens in unforgettable films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch. However, beneath her glamorous exterior, Monroe was far from the picture of confidence that many assumed her to be. In fact, there was one co-star who left her utterly terrified—legendary Broadway star Ethel Merman.

Monroe’s Vulnerability and Insecurities

While Marilyn Monroe appeared poised and confident on screen, the truth behind the scenes was far more complex. Despite her undeniable talent and immense success, Monroe struggled with profound self-doubt. Often comparing herself to other actors whom she believed to be more skilled, Monroe suffered from stage fright, which she admitted to having throughout her career. This inner insecurity sometimes led to her being late on set and even avoiding certain actors she feared, one of whom was Merman.

In the 1954 musical comedy There’s No Business Like Show Business, Monroe and Merman were co-stars, but their relationship on set was far from smooth. According to Mitzi Gaynor, who also starred in the film, Monroe’s nerves were palpable. Gaynor recalled Monroe’s work ethic and dedication, but also noted that the young actress was “thrown into a nest of vipers”—a reference to Merman’s dominating presence on set.

Ethel Merman: The Veteran Star

Ethel Merman was a seasoned Broadway performer with a career spanning decades. Known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Merman had earned multiple Tony Awards and was a respected figure in the world of musical theater. Monroe, on the other hand, was relatively new to the theater world and was still finding her footing in the industry.

Merman’s confidence and experience were not lost on Monroe, who reportedly found the veteran actress intimidating. Gaynor revealed that Merman would often demand, “All right, where’s the blond?” whenever Monroe was late to set. This statement reflects Merman’s well-established dominance in the film and theater industry, which likely contributed to Monroe’s hesitation and fear when working with her.

Monroe’s Stage Fright and Nervousness

Monroe’s struggles with nervousness were well-documented. Though she was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, she had difficulty managing her stage fright. Richard Widmark, a fellow actor who worked with Monroe, shared that she was “a vulnerable kid” and that it was “murder to work with” her because of how terrified she was of acting, even after becoming a big movie star. Widmark mentioned that Monroe’s nerves often delayed production, with her reluctance to leave her dressing room at the scheduled time causing tension on set.

Despite these challenges, Monroe’s ability to perform and captivate audiences remained unparalleled. Her talent and on-screen charm always shone through, even as she grappled with insecurity and stage fright off-camera.

A Lasting Legacy of Complex Vulnerability

The relationship between Monroe and Merman is just one example of the complex dynamics Monroe navigated during her career. Despite the fear she experienced when working with certain actors, Monroe’s legacy endures as one of Hollywood’s greatest stars, known not only for her beauty but for her resilience and talent in the face of deep-seated insecurities.

Monroe’s vulnerability and insecurities, particularly with the likes of Merman, serve as a reminder that even the most iconic figures often struggle with self-doubt. Though Monroe was adored by millions for her roles in film, her personal journey was far from glamorous—offering a poignant reflection on the pressure of maintaining an idealized public image while battling private fears.

While her collaboration with Merman may have been fraught with anxiety, it’s important to remember that Marilyn Monroe’s enduring charm and iconic status came from her ability to transcend those challenges and continue to deliver unforgettable performances. Today, she remains a symbol of both beauty and vulnerability, demonstrating the power of overcoming personal struggles to create timeless art.