Playing Marilyn Monroe...

This was truly a dream come true to play my favorite icon, and I feel a part of her will stay inside me always. I hope she's happy with how I represented her.
 
Some of the photos below were taken at the Las Vegas premiere of The Rat Pack. I felt like Cinderella. No wonder I was blowing kisses! HBO flew us over in private jets, and then after getting our hair and makeup done in a luxurious suite (I was too excited to eat!), we climbed into a long limo to drive back around to the front of the hotel where all the photographers were waiting. (It seemed kinda silly to drive instead of walk, but you know how Hollywood is!!! A Grand Entrance is everything! Very Glam!)

Just as we pulled up, I glanced up at the hotel reader board that announced the premiere, and saw it switch to: "and Barbara Niven as Marilyn Monroe". It was an amazing moment for me. And so was the whole night. There were so many photographers waiting for us on the red carpet, and everyone was yelling to "Look here!!!" Marilyn would have had a ball! I got to hang with all the stars of the show, naturally, and the fab director, Rob Cohen, but also other cool people too. (Angie Dickinson, a member of the REAL Rat Pack looked fabulous! She's such a Great Broad -- my highest praise!) 

The actual showing of the film was sort of anti-climactic. Here I was LIVING a TRUE RAT PACK moment.....much better than seeing it on film. I feel I was so blessed to have the chance to portray Marilyn. I cherish each and every moment I was involved with it. 

I also decided to not be vain and to gain weight for the part, because Marilyn and all the actresses then were heavier than we have to be today. I had so much fun just eating whatever I wanted for a change. And surprisingly, I felt so GOOD about me and my curves. Very womanly and sexy. Of course, the minute they yelled "Wrap" when I was done shooting, I started to panic about my butt again...and it was back to the gym. Oh well.....