Photographer Milton Greene and Marilyn Monroe

Born in New York City in 1922, Milton Greene’s passion for photography began when he was 14 years old. Receiving a scholarship to Pratt Institute in New York City, Greene soon started a career in photojournalism, assisting the legendary Louise Dahl-Wolfe.  By the  age of 23, Milton Greene was color photography’s “wonder boy.”  His work was featured in many well known publications throughout the 50′s and 60′s such as Life, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue. Although he gained notoriety for his fashion photography, it was Greene’s unique friendship and partnership with actress Marilyn Monroe for which he is mostly remembered.

Marilyn Monroe by Milton Greene, 1953

Meeting in 1952 while Greene was on assignment for Look Magazine, Milton and Marilyn quickly bonded and became close friends. At the height of her fame in 1954, Marilyn took a hiatus from Hollywood and moved in with Greene and his family at their Connecticut home. She would stay for the next four years. Marilyn became dear friends with Milton’s wife, Amy and even babysat for their son Josh. It was during this period that Greene was able to capture more than five thousand images of Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe photographed by Milton Greene, 1956

When asked about working with Greene, Marilyn said ”one of the things that makes him such an artist is his sensitivity, his sense of introspection. It was the first time I didn’t have to pose. He gave me time to think, but his camera was constantly working away.” In 1955 she and Greene started Marilyn Monroe Productions, which produced two films, Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl. Marilyn even entrusted Greene with co-writing her autobiography, simply titled “My Story”. Eventually, Marilyn and Milton went their separate ways, some claim due to her husband Arthur Millers jealousy of their relationship. However, Greenes stunning treasure trove of highly personal photographs of Monroe have become some of the most iconic of all time.