Drew Barrymore Reflects on Her Iconic Marilyn Monroe Shoot with JFK Jr.
Synopsis
In a recent episode of her show, Drew Barrymore shared the captivating story behind her Marilyn Monroe-inspired cover for JFK Jr.'s magazine. Discover how a phone call turned into a moment of Hollywood history.
Key Takeaways
Drew Barrymore shared insights about her Marilyn Monroe inspired photoshoot.
The call came from John F.
Kennedy Jr. in 1996.
Barrymore emphasized the pressures of celebrity life .
JFK Jr. aimed for a straightforward and confident portrayal.
The photoshoot became a memorable moment in Hollywood history .
Los Angeles, March 6 (NationPress) - Renowned actress Drew Barrymore recently recounted her fascinating conversation with John F. Kennedy Jr., which culminated in an unforgettable photo shoot inspired by Marilyn Monroe.
On the March 5 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, she engaged in a discussion with Valerie Bertinelli and co-host Ross Mathews about her notable 1996 cover for JFK Jr.'s magazine. In this cover, she channeled the iconic look of Marilyn Monroe, as highlighted by ‘People’ magazine.
The segment featured a glimpse of the legendary George magazine cover while Barrymore, now 51, shared the backstory of how the project unfolded.
“I vividly remember the moment. I was at home, lying in bed when I received the call. I said, 'Hi.' They were arguably the most talked-about couple, akin to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce today,” Barrymore reflected on the media frenzy surrounding Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. “Their lives were anything but tranquil, with paparazzi around them constantly. They couldn't step outside without it becoming a grand spectacle. They were the embodiment of Camelot, a sort of royal couple.”
Regarding her interaction with the magazine's founder, Barrymore expressed uncertainty about the “personal element” of their call.
“He said, 'I want to create something that will stir controversy by having you pose as Marilyn Monroe. Naturally, I’m familiar with the legendary 'Happy birthday, Mr. President' performance,” she recalled, referencing Monroe’s iconic 1962 tribute to JFK Jr.'s father, John F. Kennedy. She added, 'I would appreciate some guidance on the tone.'”
Barrymore also inquired if Kennedy Jr. was giving his “seal of approval” or if there was an element of jest in his proposal.
Ultimately, she asked him how she could “best represent this moment for you.”
“He simply stated, 'I want it to be straightforward. No foolishness, no excessive praise. It should convey a sensual, confident moment,'” she remembered.
“Then we proceeded with the shoot, and I later learned they were thrilled with the photos. Seeing the magazine was a surreal experience for me,” she concluded.
Point of View
Shedding light on the pressures faced by public figures and the creative decisions behind iconic magazine covers. It's a reflective narrative that showcases both nostalgia and the complexities of celebrity culture.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration behind Drew Barrymore's photoshoot?
Drew Barrymore's photoshoot was inspired by Marilyn Monroe, particularly referencing her iconic 'Happy birthday, Mr. President' performance.
Who was involved in the conversation about the photoshoot?
Drew Barrymore spoke with John F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the concept of the photoshoot for his magazine.
What did JFK Jr. want from the photoshoot?
John F. Kennedy Jr. expressed a desire for the photoshoot to be straightforward, sensual, and confident, avoiding any excessive flamboyance.
How did Drew Barrymore feel about the final outcome?
Drew Barrymore was pleasantly surprised by the final photos and learned that the team was pleased with the results.
When did this conversation take place?
The conversation between Drew Barrymore and JFK Jr. took place in 1996, leading to the iconic magazine cover.
