Marilyn Monroe became one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable stars, but one of her closest friends says the woman behind the fame was far gentler and more grounded than the public ever realized. Ahead ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. James Haspiel getting a 21st birthday kiss from Marilyn Monroe in 1959 at her NYC apartment at 444 East 57th St. This week's print ...

This week's print edition of PEOPLE includes an exclusive interview with James Haspiel, a teenage fan in 1954 who became a trusted friend of the star The issue also features an exclusive excerpt from ...

James Haspiel getting a 21st birthday kiss from Marilyn Monroe in 1959 at her NYC apartment at 444 East 57th St. Starting at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 15, 1954, James Haspiel stood outside in midtown ...