Hollywood Legend Mamie Van Doren Reveals Marilyn Monroe's Hidden Side in Explosive Memoir

Mamie Van Doren, the last surviving 'blonde bombshell' of Hollywood's golden age, has penned a memoir that pulls back the curtain on Tinseltown's most iconic era. At 95, Van Doren has lived a life that rivals the most dramatic of Hollywood scripts, with a career spanning over six decades and a personal life that has seen her romantically linked to some of the biggest names in the industry.

Van Doren's memoir, 'You Thought I Was Dead: My Life of Celebrities, Sex and Champagne', is an unfiltered look at the glamour and grit of old Hollywood. As a close friend of Marilyn Monroe, Van Doren offers a unique insight into the life of the beloved actress, who would have celebrated her birthday in June. Van Doren notes that while Monroe may be gone, she is still very much alive and living a 'hell of a life'.

Born Joan Lucille Olander in 1931, Van Doren grew up during the harsh Depression era. Her family struggled to make ends meet, with her father working at a quarry for just 35 cents per load. Despite the difficulties, Van Doren's dreams of becoming a movie star remained unwavering. She recalls seeing a picture of Jean Harlow in a newspaper and being inspired by the actress's beauty and glamour.

Van Doren's family eventually relocated to Los Angeles when she was 11, and she was immediately drawn to the magic of Hollywood. She took a job as an usherette, enjoying complimentary movie access and becoming enamored with the celluloid fairytales that played out on the big screen. Her big break came when she was crowned Miss Palm Springs in 1949, attracting the attention of film producer and entrepreneur Howard Hughes, who had also discovered Marilyn Monroe.

As Van Doren's film career gained momentum, so did her love life. She romantically involved herself with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rock Hudson, Quincy Jones, and Howard Hughes. Her debut memoir, 'Playing The Field', was published in the late 1980s, but Van Doren reveals that she was compelled to omit certain details at the time. Her new memoir, however, is a no-holds-barred look at her life, with Van Doren stating that 'myths are made to be shattered'.

Van Doren's story is one of perseverance and determination, a true rags-to-riches tale that is both captivating and inspiring. As one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood's golden age, Van Doren's memoir offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era, one that is both nostalgic and fascinating. With 'You Thought I Was Dead', Van Doren cements her place in Hollywood history, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.