Chloë Sevigny reflected emotionally on Marilyn Monroe’s legacy at Genesis House in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, where the space opened “Manifesting Marilyn: The Making of an Icon” in honor of what would have been Monroe’s 100th birthday. The immersive installation revisits Monroe’s life and image through faux newspaper headlines, books from her personal library, and excerpts from her final interview with Richard Meryman for Life, aiming to present a fuller portrait of the star beyond the familiar blonde bombshell stereotype.
Sevigny, long associated with independent film and Old Hollywood admiration, noted striking parallels between herself and Monroe. Both have been labeled It girls and both have faced the limits of being typecast by Hollywood. For the opening reception, Sevigny wore a form-fitting Claire Sullivan dress in white, a deliberate nod to Monroe’s iconic style, including her famous look from The Seven Year Itch. She said the color and silhouette felt playful, flirty, and tied to Monroe’s enduring fashion influence.
In the conversation, Sevigny praised Monroe as a misunderstood and underappreciated artist. She said Monroe was not simply a beauty icon, but a thoughtful performer who respected her craft and had a forceful presence offscreen. Sevigny argued that Monroe’s rise in Hollywood could not have been achieved on looks alone, saying the actor must have possessed intelligence, charm, determination, and a unique spark. She also suggested that Monroe’s ability to connect with people was part of what made her magnetic.
Sevigny drew a parallel between Monroe’s career and the challenges faced by actresses in different eras, including her own experience in the 1990s. She said women in Hollywood have often been pigeonholed, and that breaking out of a fixed image is difficult. She contrasted the industry climate of her early career with the post-Me Too era, saying younger actresses now cannot fully imagine the pressures and limitations women faced before. At the same time, she said it is hard to imagine what Monroe endured in a much harsher and more restrictive period.
The actress also spoke about Monroe’s lasting fascination, saying the public remains drawn to her mystery, beauty, and transformation from Norma Jean into Marilyn Monroe. Sevigny described that transformation as a display of strength, courage, and determination, and said Monroe’s story continues to resonate because it captures both glamour and tragedy. She emphasized the importance of community and support, saying people need to be surrounded by those who believe in them and create a sense of safety.
Asked whether she and Monroe might have been friends, Sevigny said she would like to think so, adding that she believes Monroe would have appreciated her sense of humor. Sevigny named The Misfits and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as her favorite Monroe films, underscoring her admiration for the star’s range and cultural imprint.
