343. Marilyn Monroe was Neither Diva Nor Dumb Blonde with Lucy Jane Santos

About this episode

Marilyn Monroe was a savvy, trailblazing studio boss—not a helpless starlet. In this centennial year of Marilyn Monroe's birth, historian and author Lucy Jane Santos joins Paul Bavill on History Rage to shatter decades of Hollywood mythmaking. From taking on studio executives to setting up her own production company, Marilyn Monroe fought relentless 1950s misogyny to take control of her career—only to be dismissed by contemporaries as a "dumb blonde" or a "diva" on set. Lucy peels back the layers of retro gossip surrounding the chaotic, brilliant production of Some Like It Hot. Discover the real dynamics between Marilyn, director Billy Wilder, and co-stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Plus, unearth the truth about acting coach Paula Strasburg and why this timeless comedy continues to captivate audiences over six decades later. Guest Information & Recommended Book • Guest: Lucy Jane Santos • Website: https://www.lucyjanesantos.com/ • Social Media: Follow Lucy on X @lucyjanesantos and Instagram @lucyjanesantos_ • Buy the Book: Support the guest and the podcast by buying Nobody's Perfect: The Making of Some Like It Hot from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.or