That was the case for Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, whose marriage united two iconic figures: Hollywood’s most glamorous actress and one of baseball’s all-time legends. Their romance started hot and heavy, but it quickly fell apart amid fundamental differences, strangely mismatched expectations and constant public scrutiny. Their marriage would only last 274 days but the cracks started to show almost immediately after their wedding.
Monroe and DiMaggio’s personalities and outlooks on life couldn’t have been more different. Marilyn was vibrant, ambitious and ready to take Hollywood by storm, Joe was introverted, old school and liked his life simple and private.
DiMaggio envisioned a domestic life where Marilyn would focus on being a wife and mother. He struggled to reconcile his ideal of a traditional marriage with Marilyn’s independence and her status as a global sex symbol.
- **Marilyn’s Ambitions**: Monroe was at the height of her career and had no intention of stepping back. She was determined to grow as an actress and sought respect for her craft, aspirations that clashed with Joe’s more conventional expectations.
### 2. **Jealousy and Possessiveness**
DiMaggio’s jealousy became a major source of tension. He reportedly felt uncomfortable with the attention Marilyn received from other men and the public, which was an inevitable part of her career.
- **The Iconic "Subway Dress" Incident**: A turning point in their marriage occurred during the filming of *The Seven Year Itch* (1955). The famous scene where Marilyn’s white dress billows up over a subway grate was shot in front of a large crowd of onlookers and photographers. DiMaggio was reportedly furious, seeing it as an unnecessary public display of sexuality, which highlighted his discomfort with Marilyn’s persona as a sex symbol.
### 3. **Emotional and Physical Abuse Allegations**
Reports suggest that the relationship was marred by instances of emotional and possibly physical abuse. DiMaggio’s controlling nature and inability to handle Marilyn’s fame reportedly led to frequent arguments. Friends and colleagues of Monroe have spoken about how she felt stifled and even frightened by DiMaggio’s possessiveness.
### 4. **Public Scrutiny and Pressure**
Being in the public eye added immense pressure to their marriage. Paparazzi and media scrutiny meant that their personal struggles were often on display. Marilyn, in particular, struggled with the duality of being a public figure and maintaining her private life, while Joe resented the constant intrusion.
### 5. **Incompatibility in Priorities**
While Marilyn’s focus was on her burgeoning career, Joe sought stability and a quieter life. These differing priorities created an unbridgeable gap between them, leading to feelings of frustration and resentment on both sides.
### A Love That Endured Despite Divorce
Though their marriage ended in 1954, Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe maintained a complex relationship. After Monroe’s death in 1962, DiMaggio famously arranged her funeral and had fresh roses delivered to her grave several times a week for 20 years. This enduring gesture suggested that, despite their tumultuous marriage, DiMaggio deeply loved Monroe.
Their relationship was a poignant reminder of how love alone isn’t always enough to overcome differences, especially under the glare of fame and public expectations.