Norma Jean: My Secret Life with Marilyn Monroe

by Ted Jordan

A personal account of the author's twenty-year relationship with Marilyn Monroe reveals the intimate, vulnerable ingenue who retained her naivete even as Hollywood destroyed her

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 5, 1991

Reviews

[Christopher Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most unfortunate things about Marilyn Monroe's marriage to Joe DiMaggio is that he was so closed-mouthed about it later on. That can't be said for Ted Jordan, a small-time actor who had a torrid, then on-again-off-again relationship with Marilyn from when she was jailbait and he was a lifeguard all the way to the year of her death. It's arguable that no one knew her better. There's something ghoulish about how he lays out all their pillow talk and in-jokes and ups and downs before the readers this way, but then that's what celebrity memoirs are all about, I guess. I don't know enough Marilynology to know if this book reveals more than had been known about which topics, or whether it refutes theories put forth in other books, etc. Certainly, Jordan is convinced she was not murdered, that it was a true accidental O.D. during a fit of despair, and he also portrays her relationships with Jack and Bobby Kennedy as Peter Lawford pimping her out to his politician buddies—though if she didn't complain, she didn't complain, right?, so there's more than a faint whiff of jealousy there. It was also a bit sad to see that Marilyn was swayed by J.F.K.'s ludicrously dangling in front of her the possibility that he was in love with her enough to maybe get a divorce and marry her. Monica Lewinsky was young and dumb enough to believe Clinton on that score, but with Marilyn I was surprised; she actually seems to think she was on the brink of being first lady.

This book is also rather satisfying in the locker-room talk department. It answers all the questions that you would ask of someone who had just scored with Marilyn Monroe the night before (though that is a stereotype; I never talk/talked that way with my male friends, except the absolute very closest, and in my opinion women do this way more than men do). If you ever wondered whether Marilyn liked oral and how much, what positions she liked, whether she took it in the poop-chute, and how orgasmic she was, etc. etc., here are your answers. With one exception: Jordan was for a while married to Lili St. Cyr, the legendary stripper, who mentored Marilyn (and who was Marilyn's lover first). At first reading, it seems like Jordan is laying bare (ha ha) all of the dirty laundry of his marriage with St. Cyr, but when I think about it more, he's really just blaming himself for everything that went wrong and leaving her reputation and image quite pristine. After all, she was still alive when the book was written. (That itself is a bit disturbing, since he is far less protective of Marilyn's privacy and dignity in writing this.) Thus, although Jordan had a three-way with Marilyn and Lili (just imagine!), we don't get any details of it. None. It's not like I want twenty pages of purple prose, but if he'd just run through the basic positions they did, it would have been a great gift to posterity. I'm not sure if Jordan is still alive. If so, though, isn't it time, since she's now gone to her reward, for a sleazy Lili St. Cyr book?

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lol, so I looked this book up and apparently this dude’s so-called “secret life with Marilyn Monroe” is about 99.9% fiction.

Giving 2 stars instead of one because the old pictures were cool, but not a single of them showed Ted and Marilyn together. There are 2 nude photos of Marilyn that he “claims” to have taken, but I believe that to be as true as the sky being green.

I give the dude points for creativity, but really this isn’t anything more than over-glorified fanfiction.

[Jasmin Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as I'm interested in MM, although I was initially skeptical about what revelations it would provide. It's the first book I've read on MM. It was a very easy read. No difficult language. It took approximately one day. Apparently the writer was a close friend, but he really painted MM in a rather unflattering light, leaving me wonder what kind of friend was he really. I have no problem with frank, open, natural and direct people, but if she had been in that much mental and narcotic trouble, wouldn't you have tried a little more than what he did to save her? Further, he writes the book like he was a victim and did no wrong. I seriously question why he had stayed around as long as he had, with her pushing the boundaries further and further, and testing their friendship. Apart from that, it paints a pretty awful picture of what Hollywood was, and still is, considering the #metoo movement of today.

[Debra An · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book!(First Published 1989) I could not put down this book after I bought it! It took me two days to read this, I do not consider myself a fast reader. When I started to read this book I thought, I wonder how much of this is true, trying to keep a open mind! Then thought about what others have said, about Marilyn Monroe. I remember what Tony Curtis said to a interviewer way later in life, being interviewed about the movie "Some like it Hot!" Tony Curtis stated, "I had that kissing scene with her, she was knotty, like a mean -- year old girl. She would fall on me and grind me, not only with her mouth but a few other places and she would wait until I got aroused and she would get up off me." You can find this interview with Tony Curtis on the collector's edition of "Some Like It Hot", a two DVD set. It is located on the second DVD and the interview is entitled, "Nostalgic Look Back," With Tony Curtis. I also tried to compare what was in this book, with what was said in another book, written by Bernice Baker Miracle and Mona Rae Miracle(Marilyn Monroe's half sister)(book entitled:"My sister Marilyn, A Memoir of Marilyn Monroe(published first 1994)). This book being published first then the other I did find what he stated to be confirmed in the other book. That is about how Gladys (Marilyn Monroe's mother) stated, "And he kidnapped you and Jackie and ran off to Kentucky without telling me! Ted Jordan (Eddie) did not know if this was true, what Marilyn Monroe told him.
I then thought about my life and thought, well my SX life I do not share with my family either. I actually have a double life. I do act differently around friends, then family. Then thought yes, it is very possible, this very well could be true, when you put the pieces all together.
I also took into consideration what happens to women who do not have a stable family unit, when they are molested as children. This I feel is the true key, since Marilyn Monroe's family life was not very stable as a youth. Female children who become molested usually become promiscuous, if they do not have this stable upbringing! As Marilyn Monroe has stated to people, that as a child she was molested when she lived in a foster home/ Orphanage. This would make me believe that when you put all of the evidence together, that what Mr. Ted Jordan had wrote was true, that is from his personal view point.
Each person has their own view point and depending on what was shared with each became a part of their view point of the women Marilyn Monroe. I admit Ted Jordan holds nothing back about the woman he knew as Norma Jean/ Marilyn Monroe. He did hold my interest the whole time I read his book and even shared parts of it to my husband. I admit after reading his book and reading parts of it to my husband, it has made a positive impact with our life.
I have to warn readers it is at least a "R" rated book. This is not a book for children! This is a adult read only! No Child should be allow to read it, the contents are very sexual in nature! Happy reading to adults only!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

That uh ... never happened, did it, Ted?

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definately a fantasy...for someone who claims in the epilogue to be annoyed at vultures picking at Monroes life and cause of death too.
He is the worst vulture of them all , exploiting the poor woman in such a vulgar and horrific way after her death. Just as he himself claims she can't defend herself from this disgusting behaviour. Even more horrid from someone who claims to have been a friend, even your worst enemy might think twice before writing this type of book about you! Funny how he is very quick yo preserve his ex wife's blushes and not reveal intimate details about her (probably because she was alive at the time of writing) but Monroe is fair game. After all, the dead can't dispute your 'factual' retelling can they Ted?
It's one thing to write a biography of Marilyn that portrays her as a normal human with her own flaws, she definately had some as we all do, but this is a total fiction.
He can remember verbatim every conversation they ever had, he is the perfect saint who absolutely never drinks or does anything horrific and Marilyn is portrayed as the greatest whore who ever lived.
Disrespectful. At least other authors, and I use the term loosely here who have portrayed her in a negative light have shown her some respect. There are far better books out there, both supportive of her and less supportive. I suggest this be popped in the bin where it belongs and you read one of those instead.

[Cece The Gypsy · Rating 1 out of 5]

In all honesty, after reading I did not know what to think of this attempt on MM. Several have called Ted Jordans bluff with this book. Jordan gives accounts of being with Marilyn(Norma J) through their teens, and into their late 20s/30s. While reading i asked myself: If hes spending this much time with the biggest star in the world in the midst of her career, why arent there any pictures of them together? (Even in disguise at the height of her career, everywhere MM went her pic was taken). Secondly, while reading the Jekyll/Hyde persona of Ms.Monroe was entertaining; the author decided to wait several years to dredge up memories from decades ago. Why? Lastly in the later years of her life when they were no longer in contact, seems to me Jordan went by what was floating in rumor mills about her. I would not give Ted Jordan the benefit of creditable facts with this book. The proof is in the pudding, but here there is none.

[Linda Burnham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rubbish!

[Katie Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lies

[Bonnie Brodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was astonished that this dude remembered their conversations? He was quoting her so how is that possible? Ok no pictures of them together. I don’t remember any of conversations (enough to quote) I had when I was 17 up to this day with my best friend. Hinting about her being “a prostitute” was a low blow. Then he discussed how he had sex in the pool, the shower with MM. i was really offended by a quote about (I’l paraphrase) how M just unexpectedly shouted isn’t (insert F word) with ing great! Overall, I was disappointed and I did not appreciate the disrespectful manner about his “friend.” I think MM would be disappointed about this book.

[Blondie · Rating 1 out of 5]

We love when men lie about women, especially Marilyn Monroe. This man decided to write to Book’s about Marilyn out of complete fiction and paints her in a really disgusting light and well over sexualise her,which Hollywood has a really Way of doing. If you want to read a book about Marilyn Monroe, that is truthful and shows her in a different light Then I recommend reading her Unfinished autobiography, “my story” The only person you can trust to tell you about Marilyn is Marilyn herself or The metamorphosis of Marilyn Monroe, which is highly recommended to learn details about Marilyn

[Ray Ottulich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is the deal, my wife (who happens to be gorgeous BTW) had a similar childhood, and many of Jordan's descriptions of Norma Jeans childhood experiences and her relations with men and their reactions, and her ways of coping and using sex to her advantage ring true. You can't just make this stuff up and achieve that veracity. Marilyn also left Jordan her red diary after her death.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A No holds barred account of some filthy language, dirty secrets and all over erratic and determined behaviour from the woman we know as Marilyn Monroe.

I actually liked this book. Whether or not Marilyn's behaviour really did mirror that of this book - or if it was (in my opinion over exagerated) - it definetly is a juicy detailed flashback diary of sorts into the life of the young Normal Jean who became Marilyn Monroe.

Slightly offensive at times for use of language and absence of tact. Who knows what was true in Monroe's life. Perhaps all these accounts are true. True to the writer. True to Marilyn- who was known to be able to change persona's when she needed to around whomever she may be. and true to the reader- who still today- decades after her death, are still fascinated at this tortured and miraculous woman we know as Monroe.

[Nutkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick & easy read that offered a different and more personal understanding of the woman who became Marilyn Monroe. I've always been interested in her and when I found this book on my mom's shelf, I decided to give it a read. It was definitely full of stories of Norma Jean's life, relationships, hook ups, vulnerabilities, ambition and eventual fall. I like that it made her seem more human and complicated than just a victim, pawn or sex symbol. Obviously there's no way for me to really confirm or deny things from the book, but it was a fun and simultaneously sad read at the same time.

I would recommend it to anyone who's interested in Norma Jean, Marilyn Monroe or old Hollywood.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read that I finished in under a week - reading only in bed.

I question how he can recreate whole conversations, (word for word - he said, she said) - so many years after her death!
I would find it difficult to requote a conversation that I had last week word for word, let alone many years post.

He sheds few tears sharing MM private thoughts, drug addiction, sex habits that I couldn't classify the book as a love story - as he portrays.

At the conclussion of the book, he discusses some of the conspiracy theories relating to her death and gives his opinion on them.

An interesting read but nothing new here.

[Georgiajade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a second hand shop and as soon as I read it I was hooked. Whether or not most information is true, it was a insightful read from someone else's perspective of her, and someone who knew her. Its quick interesting read if anyone is interested in reading it.

[Pat Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is written by Ted Jordan who describes himself as the man Matt Dillon shoots in the opening preshow of the actual show, every single time the show comes on. Marilyn Monroe is a fascinating character in any account but this comes off as a notch or two above tabloid the way I see it.

[Chris Clinkard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never realised that she was such a complex and insecure woman.
Great back story and its inspired me to do more research on her life story.
Bit shocking in places but a frank account of there lives together.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give the author 3 for effort, and being an MM enthusiast, I know this is a crock.. haha, but entertaing all the same..

[Vikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ted Jordan tells of his secret life with Marilyn Monroe. It was a very good book. He did not believe that Marilyn was murdered. He believed it was a definite suicide.

[Jackie Amor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

[Felicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected, at all. I found myself having a hard time believing this book was completely factual...which may account for the amount of time it took me to read.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite a few negative reviews, I think it gives a fairly accurate account of the "true Marilyn" in his words, "to set the record straight".