Marilyn Monroe and Joan Crawford, two of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, had a complicated relationship but very few direct quotes or public statements from Marilyn Monroe about Joan Crawford. But some indirect comments, in addition to the broader context of their interactions, provide insight into their dynamic.
Joan Crawford was known for being fiercely competitive and sometimes harsh with her colleagues. She had a reputation for trying to sabotage younger actresses to secure her position in the industry, and this included Monroe. Marilyn, who was often the subject of jealousy and scrutiny, may have seen Crawford as someone who used power and manipulation to get ahead.
2. **The "Hollywood Diva" Persona:**
Monroe was famously less interested in the “Hollywood diva” lifestyle compared to others in her era. Joan Crawford, on the other hand, embodied the epitome of that persona, with her demanding nature and quest for perfection. This difference in approach might have contributed to Marilyn feeling alienated by Crawford’s aggressive, self-centered attitude.
### **Indirect Comments and Interactions:**
1. **In the Memoirs of Others:**
There are several memoirs and biographies that shed light on the animosity between Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe, but most of the details come from third parties. One well-known account comes from actor and writer Michael Korda, who recounted stories in his biography of Crawford. He suggested that Crawford viewed Monroe as a threat to her own career and even went so far as to try to outshine Marilyn in certain social situations.
2. **Crawford’s Jealousy of Monroe:**
Joan Crawford, by the time Monroe was emerging as a star, was already a well-established name in Hollywood, but she was in the midst of a career decline. Crawford’s jealousy of Monroe was palpable, and it's reported that she would sometimes make snide remarks about Monroe’s acting and her beauty, likely because she saw her as competition.
3. **Crawford’s Role in *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* (1962):**
A major aspect of their rivalry (or at least competition) was related to the film *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* Joan Crawford and Bette Davis were both nominated for Oscars for their performances in this film, but Marilyn Monroe had originally been considered for a role in the movie. According to some reports, Monroe’s casting would have added a layer of star power, but due to her personal troubles at the time, she was not cast. Joan, already a well-established star, may have been relieved that Monroe did not appear in the film, as this could have diminished her own role.
### **A Possible Snub:**
In some accounts, it is suggested that Joan Crawford was not particularly friendly toward Monroe. For instance, Crawford was allegedly seen snubbing Monroe at events or making backhanded comments about her work and her looks. Marilyn, who was often sensitive to criticism and was known for her emotional insecurities, likely found this behavior hurtful.
### **Crawford’s Public Commentary:**
On the other hand, Joan Crawford, known for her calculated public persona, was often quite diplomatic in her interviews and interactions with other actresses. However, it’s clear from the accounts of her contemporaries and from her own actions that she harbored resentment toward Monroe's rapid rise in the industry.
### **Conclusion:**
While Marilyn Monroe did not seem to have made any direct, significant public statements about Joan Crawford, the dynamic between them can be characterized as one of underlying tension. Monroe, who was much younger and at a different stage in her career, may have felt a mix of awe and unease toward Crawford's established status in Hollywood. Joan Crawford’s competitive nature and her penchant for trying to overshadow other women in the industry, combined with Monroe's insecurities, likely led to an unspoken rivalry. Most of what is known about their relationship comes from third-party observations and the stories passed down by those who were close to them.