Norma Jeane Mortenson, as Marilyn was known before fame, wasn’t always surrounded by the glitz of Hollywood. During her childhood, which was marked by instability, she found solace in the company of dogs. Her foster father, Albert Wayne Bolender, gifted her a black and white mixed-breed pup named Tippy. The loyal Tippy even accompanied Norma Jeane to school, a testament to their strong bond.
Around 1940, while living with the Goddard family, Marilyn shared another canine companion – a spaniel named Ruffles. Whether an English or Brittany spaniel, Ruffles brought joy to Marilyn’s life during a challenging period.
In the late 1940s, Marilyn’s life took a turn when she married James Dougherty. To celebrate their union, James surprised Marilyn with a gift that would melt her heart – a collie named Muggsie. Photos from that era show Marilyn doting on Muggsie, a fluffy symbol of a new chapter in her life.
As Marilyn’s career blossomed, details about her canine companions became a little scarce. There are reports of a Chihuahua around the time she signed with Columbia Pictures in 1948, but the dog’s name remains a mystery.
Fast forward to her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller in the late 1950s. Their New York City apartment became home to Hugo, a basset hound. Stories even emerged of Marilyn and her friend Norman Rosten playfully feeding Hugo scotch to cheer him up – a testament to the playful bond they shared. Though Marilyn and Arthur eventually separated, Hugo remained with Miller.
One of Marilyn’s most famous canine companions arrived later in life. Frank Sinatra, a close friend, gifted her a Maltese named Mafia Honey, affectionately known as Maf. This small white dog became a constant companion in Marilyn’s final years, offering a source of comfort and love.
