The Story of the Monroe Six, Also Known as the Marilyn Six

The Monroe Six, also known as the Marilyn Six, comprised six dedicated teenage fans in New York City who tracked Marilyn Monroe’s appearances throughout the city. The group included John Reilly, siblings Eileen and James (Jimmy) Collins, Edith Pitts, Frieda Hull, and Gloria Milone.

They shared tips on Marilyn’s whereabouts—hotels, events, work sessions—and met regularly to catch glimpses of her. They even gave her a sweet nickname “Mazzie.” Marilyn appreciated their loyalty and friendly approach, often greeting them by name, consenting to photos or autographs, and even inviting them for a soda at her New York apartment, where she lived with Arthur Miller.

In 1955 alone, they spotted Marilyn at various locations: outside the Waldorf-Astoria, at the Times Square premiere of The Seven Year Itch, heading to Paula Strasberg’s acting studio, attending a performance of Damn Yankees, and walking to the Inherit the Wind play on Broadway. 

Members of the Monroe Six captured numerous candid photos—color and black and white—of Marilyn. Among them, James Collins later sold a collection of 183 rare and signed photographs at auction in 2016. Frieda Hull, in particular, amassed over 550 photos and even joined Pan Am Airlines to travel after Marilyn, continuing their fan-idol bond.

After the death of Marilyn in 1962, the Six were in mourning then lost sight of each other a little. Below are a few candid photographs of Marilyn Monroe taken by Frieda Hull on July 8, 1960, outside Fox Studios in New York City.