Marilyn Monroe’s dead body was ‘unrecognizable’ with ‘false breasts and hairy legs’

In an astonishing revelation, Allan Abbott, a former funeral director, has shed light on the harrowing final hours of iconic actress Marilyn Monroe.

His compelling account is part of his forthcoming book, “Pardon My Hearse,” which offers a candid glimpse into the life and death of some of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

Abbott, alongside his colleague Ron Hast, played a pivotal role in preparing Monroe for her final farewell in 1962.

On August 5, 1962, tragedy struck when Monroe was discovered dead at her Brentwood home, having succumbed to what was suspected to be an overdose.

The West Los Angeles Police received a distressing call from Dr. Hyman Engelberg, who promptly reported Monroe’s passing.

Engelberg, citing Dr. Ralph Greenson, indicated that her death appeared to be a suicide linked to an overdose of Nembutal.

Upon their arrival, Abbott and Hast found Monroe’s body in the early stages of rigor mortis, prompting immediate transport to the mortuary.

The state of her body was shocking, to say the least.

Abbott recalled the meticulous search for any hypodermic needle marks on her arms, indicating a history of substance use.

Although a few were found in areas typically accessed by medical professionals, the condition of her body raised alarming questions.

Describing the scene, Abbott said Monroe seemed nearly unrecognizable, revealing “purple blotches” on her face due to her position at the time of death.

This shocking transformation starkly contrasted the glamorous persona the world adored.

Abbott noted that her poor state was exacerbated by the tragic circumstances surrounding her death and how gravity altered her appearance.

He elaborated on the details surrounding her features: “She looked like a very average, aging woman who had not been taking very good care of herself.”

Her hair, short and frizzy, indicated neglect, with noticeable dark roots signaling that she hadn’t maintained her characteristic blonde look for some time.

Neither her legs nor her lips received care; high time had passed since her last shave or exfoliation.

Confronted with the reality of her condition, Abbott and his team faced the medical necessity of reducing swelling around her neck.

They were also tasked with dressing Monroe for public viewing.

In a bittersweet twist, they opted not to use her false breasts which were found in her belongings.

Instead, they improvised, making her appear more like her former self by stuffing her bra with cotton.

As they prepared Monroe, her makeup artists, Sydney Guilaroff and Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder, arrived to restore her iconic look, applying makeup and affixing her wig.

The returns of her glamorous appearance were bittersweet, as it was a shadow of the sparkle that once lit up screens around the globe.

Among those who mourned her loss was her ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio, who remained a personal friend after their brief marriage.

Abbott recounted how DiMaggio kept a solemn vigil at the mortuary, visibly distraught and emotional over her untimely demise.

Their unconventional yet enduring bond spoke volumes about the deep affection they shared, despite the brevity of their union.

Abbott’s experience didn’t solely revolve around Monroe, as he and Hast handled numerous high-profile cases, including the funerals of actors like Natalie Wood and Ernie Kovacs later that same year.

The duo had become synonymous with celebrity funerals throughout the 1960s, a testament to their expertise in navigating the unique challenges of such events.

Further adding to the grim dossier of Hollywood tragedies, Abbott recalled how he was called upon to transport Natalie Wood‘s family following her mysterious drowning incident in 1981.

Wood’s body bore signs of trauma, leading Abbott to decide on dressing her in a fashion that concealed her injuries, illustrating the lengths to which he and his team would go to ensure dignity in death.

While death could be their domain, Abbott also drove the limousines for living legends, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

The journey from a humble high school friendship to running a celebrity funeral service is a narrative of both ambition and compassion.

Abbott and Hast began with a dilapidated limousine meant for camping excursions, ultimately turning it into a vehicle for the stories of some of the most iconic figures in cinema history.

As the public eagerly awaits the release of “Pardon My Hearse” on June 15, Abbott’s revelations provide a poignant reminder of the stark reality behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Furthermore, Monroe’s legacy continues, with her personal items, including costumes and memorabilia, set to hit the auction block later this month.

As we look back, it prompts us to wonder: how do we remember the stars we lost, and what tales do their final moments tell?