Memo to Marilyn Monroe from Press Agent Arthur P. Jacobs

From Marilyn Monroe’s personal files, a small memo typed in full:

“Dear Marilyn, This is the ad which we prepared for you. I hope you like it.”

Together with a copy of the referenced advertisement showing a black and white image of Marilyn with text congratulating her “on her Academie du Cinema of France award for Best Foreign Actress of 1957 in The Prince and the Showgirl.”

The advertisement reads in full:

The Mirisch Company congratulates Marilyn Monroe on her Academie du Cinema of France award for Best Foreign Actress of 1957 in “The Prince and The Showgirl” …and we are proud that she has selected for her next film “Some Like It Hot” to be produced and directed by Billy Wilder for United Artists Release.”

Also part of The Marilyn Monroe Collection: Marilyn’s personal copy of Variety, showcasing this advertisement on the back cover.

Marilyn Monroe receiving the Academie du Cinema award for Best Foreign Actress of 1957 in The Prince and the Showgirl. This honor was the French equivalent of the American Academy Award (Oscar) for acting.

Arthur P. Jacobs

Arthur P. Jacobs was Marilyn Monroe’s publicist during the final years of her life and played an important role in shaping her public image during her most independent and professionally complex period. He was the founder of Arthur P. Jacobs Company, a prominent Hollywood public relations firm that represented major stars and productions. He began working with Marilyn in the early 1960s, particularly after her separation from Arthur Miller and during her efforts to reestablish stability in her career following the challenges surrounding Something’s Got to Give in 1962.

Jacobs handled press relations, media coordination, and image management for Marilyn at a time when public perception was critical to her professional future. His work included coordinating interviews, managing publicity tied to her film projects, and helping maintain her reputation during periods of intense press scrutiny.

He was directly connected to one of the most historically significant media events of her final year: the July 1962 LIFE magazine interview conducted by Richard Meryman and photographed by Allan Grant. Jacobs was involved in facilitating press access and managing aspects of Marilyn’s media engagement during this period.

Jacobs remained part of Marilyn’s professional circle until her death on August 4–5, 1962.

After Marilyn’s death, Arthur P. Jacobs continued his career as a major Hollywood publicist and later became a successful film producer, best known for producing the original Planet of the Apes series beginning in 1968.

Arthur P. Jacobs was not a personal friend, but rather a trusted professional publicist responsible for managing Marilyn Monroe’s public image and media relationships during the final chapter of her life.