Imagine this: one of the most iconic actors of his time, Jerry Lewis, and the ultimate Hollywood starlet, Marilyn Monroe, sharing a secret love story. Sounds like the plot of a blockbuster movie, right? Well, in a candid interview with GQ back in 2011, Jerry revealed a surprising chapter from his past. The late comedy legend, who passed away at the age of 91 on August 21, admitted to having a hidden affair with Marilyn Monroe. This revelation came as a shock to many, adding a new layer to the storied lives of these two legends.
A Surprising Admission
When GQ asked Jerry about the rumored relationship between Marilyn Monroe and former President John F. Kennedy, he had an unexpected response. Instead of confirming or denying the JFK connection, Jerry turned the spotlight on himself. "I'm telling you what I know. Never! And the only reason I know is because I did. Okay?" he boldly stated. With those words, Jerry confirmed a secret affair with Marilyn, leaving fans and historians alike intrigued by the untold story.
Inside the Relationship
Let’s dive deeper into what Jerry revealed about his time with Marilyn. The affair took place during his marriage to his first wife, Patti Palmer, which lasted from 1944 to 1980. Jerry didn’t shy away from sharing intimate details, describing their encounters as both passionate and intense. "It was... long," he confessed about one of their encounters. "I was crippled for a month." These words paint a vivid picture of their connection, emphasizing the depth of their bond.
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For Marilyn, the need for physical intimacy wasn’t just about passion—it was about validation. "She needed that contact to be sure it was real," Jerry explained. This insight offers a glimpse into Marilyn's personal struggles and her desire for genuine human connection, beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
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Jerry with his first wife, Patti.
The JFK Connection
While Jerry’s admission added a new twist to Marilyn’s story, the rumors about her relationship with JFK persisted. These speculations gained momentum after Marilyn famously sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to JFK at Madison Square Garden in 1962. The iconic performance left an indelible mark on history, and the dress she wore during it became a symbol of her allure. In fact, just last year, that very dress was auctioned off for a staggering $5 million, showcasing Marilyn's lasting impact on popular culture.
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The dress Marilyn wore for JFK.
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A Legacy of Mystery
Tragically, Marilyn’s life was cut short when she passed away in August 1962 at the young age of 36. Despite her untimely death, Marilyn had big plans for her future. In a previous interview with Closer Weekly, her friends and family revealed that she was looking forward to new opportunities in the film industry. "She was going to see the producers," her niece Mona Rae Miracle shared. Author Carl Rollyson, who wrote Marilyn Monroe: Day by Day, noted, "It was very clear the studio was going to rehire her." As we reflect on the lives of Marilyn and Jerry, their stories remind us of the power of love and the enduring legacy they left behind. May they both rest in peace, forever remembered by the world.


