Fired, Fought, and Fragile: Marilyn Monroe’s Harrowing Experience on “Something’s Got to Give”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, faced her toughest challenge not on the screen but behind the scenes of her final, unfinished film Something’s Got to Give. This ill-fated project, a remake of the 1940s classic My Favorite Wife, became a stark reflection of the turmoil and fragility that defined the last chapter of Monroe’s life.
By 1962, Monroe had already secured her place in cinematic history with timeless performances in Some Like It Hot and The Misfits. However, when she began work on Something’s Got to Give, she was battling significant health issues and personal struggles. Having undergone major gallbladder surgery and losing over 25 pounds, Monroe appeared a mere shadow of the vivacious star the public adored. Her physical frailty was compounded by emotional strain, exacerbating the pressures of a notoriously troubled production.
The filming was riddled with disruptions. Monroe’s recurring illnesses, along with frequent absences, strained the patience of studio executives and cast members alike. What was intended to be a comeback vehicle quickly descended into chaos. In June 1962, after months of delays, the studio made the stunning decision to fire its biggest star—a move almost unthinkable given Monroe’s legendary status.
Despite this, negotiations for her return began just weeks before her sudden death in August 1962, leaving the film forever incomplete. This unfinished work has since become a symbol of Monroe’s vulnerability and the crushing weight of fame.
Eyewitness accounts and contemporary reports paint a vivid picture of a production caught between commercial demands and the precarious health of its lead. Documentaries such as Marilyn: Something’s Got to Give (1990) explore the complex dynamics of an actress trying to reclaim control over her career while battling forces beyond her control—both internal and external.
While Monroe’s earlier film The Misfits also coincided with personal upheaval, Something’s Got to Give stands apart as her most arduous ordeal. Unlike her previous roles, where she dazzled with humor or heartbreak, this unfinished film offers only tantalizing fragments—haunting glimpses of a star confronting her own limits.
Rediscovered footage of Monroe’s last performance continues to captivate fans and historians alike, revealing an actress who, despite her struggles, delivered moments of raw emotion and tenacity.
Ultimately, Something’s Got to Give was more than just a film for Marilyn Monroe—it was the embodiment of her final fight. It marked the tragic crossroads where her dazzling legend met the fragile reality of her life, an unfinished story that Hollywood and the world have never ceased to try to comprehend.
