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In this episode of All Things Marilyn, Scott Fortner and Elisa Jordan welcome acclaimed author and photography historian David Wills for a thoughtful and deeply engaging conversation about Marilyn Monroe’s enduring legacy through the lens of photography.

Best known to Marilyn fans for his celebrated books Marilyn in the Flash and Metamorphosis, David shares the personal story behind his lifelong fascination with books, classic Hollywood, and Marilyn herself. From childhood memories of discovering old movies in Australia to working with original photographic transparencies decades later, his journey reflects a passion for preserving visual history and understanding the artistry behind iconic images.

Together, Scott, Elisa, and David explore Marilyn’s instinctive genius in front of the camera, her collaboration with photographers, and how her evolving photographic image shaped public perception. David also offers insight into his upcoming book Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul, created as a monumental tribute for her 100th birthday year.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• How David Wills first became fascinated with Marilyn Monroe and classic Hollywood
• Why Marilyn’s photographic presence remains unmatched in celebrity culture
• The artistic process of restoring vintage transparencies and negatives
• What sets Marilyn apart from other legendary screen stars in portrait photography
• The inspiration and vision behind David’s new book Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul
• Why Marilyn’s legacy still resonates worldwide nearly 100 years after her birth

Throughout the discussion, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for Marilyn’s intelligence, determination, and creative control over her image, qualities that continue to inspire generations of admirers today.

About Our Guest

David Wills is an internationally recognized author and photography specialist known for his visually rich books on film, fashion, architecture, and cultural icons. His Marilyn Monroe titles, including Marilyn in the Flash and Metamorphosis, are widely regarded by collectors and fans as essential visual studies of her image and transformation.

With more than two decades of experience working with original negatives and transparencies, David is dedicated to preserving photographic history and presenting classic imagery with exceptional fidelity. His latest project, Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul, is a large format tribute volume celebrating Marilyn’s artistry, intelligence, and enduring impact.

About Marilyn Monroe: Body and Soul 

AUTHOR:  David Wills
FORMAT:  Hardcover with dust jacket
DIMENSIONS:  14 x 18 inches

PAGES:  288

MARILYN MONROE: BODY AND SOUL is a celebration and an appreciation of Marilyn—the human being, the woman, the actress, and the icon.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

Credits
Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor