In early 1962, LIFE Magazine's Assistant Editor Richard Meryman had an idea for a story on fame. After being turned down by Cary Grant, Meryman turned to Marilyn, the very symbol of fame. He first approached her in early 1962 and, subsequently, met with her in New York City in February to pitch the concept: a candid exploration of her relationship with fame — how she experienced it, what it meant to her, and how it shaped her life. It must have been a compelling pitch; Marilyn had little reason to agree to yet another story about herself, but she did.

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The interview took place May 1, 1962, at Marilyn’s beloved new home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, with Meryman capturing over four hours of intimate, thoughtful, and often unexpectedly wise conversation on fame, life, human behavior, and much more.

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The two met a second time in June to shape and finalize the piece. In the weeks since their first meeting, the interview had taken on deeper meaning for Marilyn as her film Something’s Got to Give! had been shut down, and she was now being sued by 20th Century Fox. The interview had become the opportunity to tell her side of the story.

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On July 7, LIFE photographer Allan Grant arrived at Marilyn’s home for what would become her final formal photo session. Following the narrative of Meryman's interview, Grant set out to create a quiet, introspective, emotional portrait series. The resulting piece, published on August 3, 1962—just two days before her death—would come to be known as The Last Interview.