The Final Photoshoot: Marilyn Monroe in July 1962, Captured by Allan Grant

In the summer of 1962, specifically early July, Marilyn Monroe was in a transitional period of her life. She had recently been fired from the film ‘Something’s Got to Give’. Her personal life was, as always, the subject of intense public scrutiny. It was during this vulnerable time that she granted an interview to Richard Meryman, a writer for LIFE magazine. This interview, published on August 17, 1962, would prove to be her last, a poignant final word from a woman who had captivated the world. But the words were only half the story. The accompanying photographs, taken by Allan Grant, would become equally, if not more, famous.

The Reluctance, The Agreement, The Home

Marilyn Monroe was, understandably, weary of the constant attention. She was a global icon, her every move documented, analyzed, and often criticized. The prospect of another photo shoot, another set of eyes scrutinizing her, was not initially appealing. Meryman had requested photos to accompany his article, and Marilyn, after some hesitation, agreed. A crucial decision was made: the photos would be taken at her home, a relatively new Spanish-style hacienda at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

This seemingly small detail – the location – profoundly impacted the character of the photographs. Unlike the controlled environment of a studio, Marilyn’s home offered a glimpse into her private world. It was a space she had chosen, decorated, and lived in. This intimacy is palpable in the resulting images. It wasn’t a stage; it was her space, and that allowed for a different kind of connection with the camera.

Allan Grant: The Photojournalist, Not the Glamour Photographer

Allan Grant was an experienced and respected photojournalist, a staff photographer for LIFE. He wasn’t a celebrity photographer known for creating glamorous, highly stylized portraits, like a Richard Avedon or a Bert Stern. Grant’s strength lay in his ability to capture authenticity, to document real moments and real people. This made him a surprisingly perfect choice for this assignment, even if it wasn’t immediately obvious. He wasn’t there to reinforce the Marilyn Monroe myth; he was there to capture the woman behind the myth.

Grant’s approach was reportedly low-key and respectful. He didn’t arrive with a huge entourage or elaborate lighting setups. He worked quickly and efficiently, allowing Marilyn to be herself. He didn’t dictate poses or try to create artificial moments. This allowed for a sense of naturalness and spontaneity to permeate the session.

Inside the Hacienda: Details of the Shoot

The photographs themselves reveal a range of moods and moments. We see Marilyn in different outfits. A casual green, v-neck top appears in several of the most well-known images. She’s also seen in a more formal black and white dress. The changes in clothing suggest a progression throughout the day, a passage of time within the photo session itself.

The setting provides subtle clues about Marilyn’s life. We see glimpses of her furniture – simple, tasteful pieces, nothing overly ostentatious. Books are visible, hinting at her intellectual curiosity. The overall impression is one of understated elegance, a far cry from the glitzy image often associated with her.

In some photos, Marilyn is smiling, engaging directly with the camera. In others, she appears more pensive, lost in thought. There’s a vulnerability in some of the images, a sense of weariness that’s hard to ignore, especially knowing what was to come. This range of emotions is what makes the photos so compelling; they don’t present a single, static image of Marilyn Monroe. They show a complex human being.

The Weight of History: The Last Session

The photos were taken on July 6, 1962. Marilyn Monroe died on August 5, 1962, of a barbiturate overdose. This tragic event instantly transformed the meaning and significance of Allan Grant’s photographs. They were no longer simply illustrations for a magazine article. They became the last professional photographs ever taken of one of the 20th century’s most enduring icons.

This knowledge casts a shadow over the images. We look at them knowing that this vibrant, complex woman would be gone just weeks later. This adds a layer of poignancy and sadness that’s impossible to ignore.