Journalist and biographer Richard Meryman (1926 – 2015) was one of the most respected interviewers of the twentieth century, pioneering the monologue-style personality profile that began with his interview of Marilyn. Many of his interviews became books, including two Joan Rivers autobiographies, Louis Armstrong's 1971 self-portrait, Elizabeth Taylor's self-titled 1964 autobiography, and four books on Andrew Wyeth. For twenty-three years, Meryman was a correspondent, editor, and staff writer for Life magazine.

Photojournalist Allan Grant (1919 – 2008) was made a permanent member of the prestigious Life magazine photographic staff in 1946. From the 1940s through the 1960s Grant documented news events around the globe, from VE Day to the Atom Bomb tests in Nevada. Grant was also considered the Great Chronicler of Hollywood, shooting stars such as Grace Kelley, Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor, and more.

Marilyn Monroe (1926 – 1962) was an American actress, comedienne, singer, and model. Known for playing comic "blonde bombshell" characters, she is one of the world's most enduring iconic figures and is remembered for her winsome embodiment of the Hollywood sex symbol.