Marilyn Monroe exhibition opens curated by Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has curated a new exhibition on Hollywood’s most famous sex symbol Marilyn Monroe entitled ‘Marilyn: Character Not Image’.

The 60-year-old actress has lead the project to display the tragic-beauty’s poetry, watercolors and video footage at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, US. The iconic dress Marilyn wore to sing Happy Birthday to US president JFK in 1962 is also on view and will be auctioned off in Los Angeles in November.

The exhibition opened with a VIP preview on Saturday night before doors opened to the public yesterday.

Despite Marilyn’s popularity and success as an actress in the 1950s, she struggled with addiction, depression, and anxiety. The Some Like It Hot star died aged 36 in August 1962 from an overdose of anti-anxiety pills at her home in Los Angeles and her death was ruled a probable suicide.

Whoopi has been an admirer of her work and life for many years. A source told Page Six: ‘She studied with famed father of Method acting Lee Strasberg. When Marilyn [who was also earlier mentored by Strasberg] died, she left all her personal items and clothing to Lee. So he inspired Whoopi’s love for, and interest in, Marilyn.’

Meanwhile, last week Whoopi revealed she is taking a break from hosting the popular US chat show The View next year and will take on new projects as well as return to acting.

The comedy star – who was spotted sitting front row at New York Fashion Week this month – told Wendy Williams: ‘I have to do it, baby, because I have to go and grow. I’ve got stuff to do. I’ve got movies I need to direct, I got books I gotta finish. This was great, and I love doing it, but you know, it’s been a while.’