Published memoirs from the personal archives of Spyros Skouras reveal fascinating details about this Greek immigrant’s impact on Hollywood and show business as a whole.
Skouras was best known as the 20th century motion picture mogul who gave Marilyn Monroe her big break.
Rumors of an affair also circulated throughout Hollywood but were always denied, according to the blog The Loves of Marilyn Monroe.
Skouras started to take a special interest in Marilyn at the 20th Century Fox exhibitors’ party in 1951 where she became center of attention.
Skouras reportedly asked “Who is that girl?” But no one knew, as at that time she was just another decorative studio blonde. Skouras quickly saw how popular she was at the exhibitors’ party and assumed the public would love her too.
He took her by the arm and sat her at the head of the table by his side. After the party, the word went out that Marilyn was to be slotted into every Fox film that required a sexy blonde. As a result, between 1951 and 1952, Marilyn appeared in no less than seven movies for 20th Century Fox.
Skouras had Monroe on his arm at many Fox gatherings, including when the Greek Royal Family visited Hollywood in 1953.
Watch the video of their visit
The book about Skouras’ life was meticulously researched by Stanford historian and researcher Ilias Chrissochoidis and presented in this accessible and inexpensive format for all to learn about this fascinating man. Get the book here.
