Why Marilyn Monroe’s Sugar Kane Remains Hollywood’s Sweetest (and Saddest) Bombshell
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In 1959, Marilyn Monroe delivered one of the most iconic performances of her career as Sugar Kane in Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot. Portraying the sweet, vulnerable singer in an all-female band, Monroe brought a rare blend of comedic timing, charm, and genuine heartache to the screen—creating a character that remains Hollywood’s quintessential “bombshell” with a poignant twist.
Set during Prohibition-era America, Some Like It Hot follows musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who disguise themselves as women to escape mobsters and join Monroe’s band. The film’s daring gender-bending premise, razor-sharp wit, and memorable one-liners pushed cinematic boundaries. At the center of it all was Monroe’s Sugar Kane: alluring yet heartbreakingly relatable, a woman yearning for love but continually entangled with the wrong men.
Behind the scenes, Monroe’s performance was far from easy. Battling health problems and anxiety, she required numerous takes to perfect scenes—sometimes as many as 83 for a single moment. Yet, these struggles only deepened her portrayal, infusing Sugar Kane with an authenticity that balanced sensuality and vulnerability.
Critics hailed Monroe’s work as “fantastic,” applauding how she navigated the film’s comedic and emotional layers. The movie itself was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $2.8 million and earning six Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Actor. It took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design and was later enshrined in the National Film Registry for its lasting cultural impact.
Monroe’s portrayal earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical and a Laurel Award for Top Female Comedy Performance, cementing her place among Hollywood’s greats.
More than six decades later, Some Like It Hot remains a beloved classic, celebrated by critics and audiences alike. For Marilyn Monroe, Sugar Kane was more than just a role—it was a testament to her talent, resilience, and enduring allure. Beneath the glitz of Hollywood’s brightest star lay an actress whose artistry and humanity continue to inspire generations.
