Hi lovely people!
So today I wanted to talk about a new Marilyn book that has recently been published and my participation in it. As you know I am a huge lover of Marilyn’s and have been since I was 17, (almost 18) years old. In the summer of 2012, I was contacted by one of the lovely members of Immortal Marilyn and asked if I would be interested in being interviewed via email about an upcoming book on Marilyn fans. Naturally, I said I would be thrilled and I participated in an interview for Marcelline Block, author of the book and that was that.
It was only a few months ago, that Marcelline got back in touch with me, saying that the book had finally been published and although my interview didn’t make the final edit, my picture next to some of Marilyn’s clothes did. She also asked me if I would let my interview be used in a magazine publication; Art Decades and I was very happy to oblige. At the start of the week I ordered a copy of the magazine and yesterday, my complimentary copy of Fan Phenomena: Marilyn Monroe arrived.
Here’s my full interview which has now been published, I hope you enjoy it and know that I spoke from the heart. As the interview was conducted almost three years ago, it was fascinating to update things in my transcript and see how much my collection and fan pages have grown. It showed to me how much love there still is for Marilyn, it truly is forever growing.
Megan Owen, founder of http://www.alwaysmarilynmonroe.co.uk.
Interview conducted by Marcelline Block.
Megan Owen is a 21-year-old Marilyn Monroe fan and student who lives in England. She enjoys blogging and reading, and has a passion for the Golden Age of Hollywood.
A photograph of Megan Owen standing next to Marilyn Monroe’s costumes from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and There’s No Business Like Show Business, displayed at London’s Getty Gallery’s ‘Marilyn’ exhibit appears on p. 80 of Fan Phenomena: Marilyn Monroe.
Marcelline Block: Why, when, and how did you become involved with Marilyn Monroe fandom?
Megan Owen: In October 2010, I was reading an issue of Vanity Fair, which had Marilyn on the cover and was publicizing the publication of Fragments. I was fascinated and deeply touched by the struggles and determination Marilyn went through during her life. Straight away, I started to research more about Marilyn and that is where my love began and I purchased legitimate books on her and her films. Since then, I have amassed a collection of over 140 books on Marilyn and a collection of more than 60 vintage magazines featuring Marilyn.
Marcelline Block: What is the extent of your involvement with Marilyn Monroe fandom, and which fandom communities in particular?
Megan Owen: In August 2010, I started a Tumblr called alwaysmarilynmonroe, where I post pictures, legitimate quotes, information and graphics on Marilyn. AlwaysMarilynMonroe has now gained over 35,000 followers and has had over 805,000 hits, and the AlwaysMarilynMonroe Instagram has 44,000 followers. Through doing this I have met many Marilyn fans or ‘Marilynettes’ – as some of us call ourselves – and have made friendships with people all around the world. I also subscribe to the Mad About Marilyn fan club and I am part of the Facebook groups Immortal Marilyn and Marilyn Remembered Fan Club.
Marcelline Block: What are some of the highlights of your experiences with Marilyn Monroe fandom?
Megan Owen: I have met some wonderful friends who without being a part of the Marilyn Fandom I would not have known. The highlight for me would be meeting people who share my love and interest in Marilyn and understand how much this means. I went to Hollywood in August 2012 for Marilyn’s 50th Anniversary and met up with lots of Immortal Marilyn members, saw Marilyn’s house, another Marilyn exhibition, met photographer George Barris, visited Marilyn’s grave and her hand and foot Prints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. In November 2012, I went to London’s V & A Museum Hollywood Costume Exhibition and saw Marilyn’s White Dress from The Seven Year Itch and her ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’ dress from Some Like It Hot.
Marcelline Block: How would you characterize Marilyn Monroe fandom communities?
Megan Owen: I know this may sound clichéd, but the Marilyn Monroe fan community is almost like a family. Everyone is kind and friendly to one another and is always happy to share experiences and knowledge. The great thing is that we are all different ages and live all over the world, but however different we may be, we all have the same love for Marilyn and this unites us.
Marcelline Block: What does fandom mean to you/how has fandom has impacted your life? What does it mean to you to be part of a fandom community?
Megan Owen: Since Marilyn has become part of my life, she has given me strength and determination to battle my anxiety and depression. Through learning about how Marilyn suffered through her severe depressions it has helped me continue fighting and inspired me to achieve some of my dreams. This includes going to London for the Getty Gallery Marilyn Monroe Exhibition, to see some of her most iconic costumes as well as their archive of Marilyn photos. At times I was almost agoraphobic and felt very low, but having a goal has been so important to me and Marilyn has helped me move forward and achieve some of my dreams. Being part of the Marilyn fandom community gives me a sense of belonging and a real purpose in life.
Marcelline Block: What do you think is Marilyn Monroe’s ultimate legacy for her fans?
Megan Owen: I think that Marilyn’s caring nature and beautiful soul is what is most important to true fans. Her strong mind and ambition to succeed against all odds and to become the most loved and successful movie star in Hollywood History is pretty incredible. True fans like myself love her for her vulnerability and Marilynisms and see beyond Marilyn the myth to discover Marilyn the woman. Her iconic films and timeless beauty still live on into modern society and although she has been gone for more than fifty years, it is like she is still alive and shining brightly like the true star she still is.
I’d recommend this book to all dedicated Marilyn fans, it’s a unique perspective, not your average Marilyn book and it’s so personal, a lovely addition to your collections! It’s so wonderful to see that over fifty years after Marilyn’s death, her star shows no signs of diminishing. I hope you know how loved you are beautiful Marilyn!
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