“If I close my eyes and think of Hollywood, all I see is one big varicose vein.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“If I close my eyes and think of Hollywood, all I see is one big varicose vein.”
Explanation
In this vivid and sardonic remark, Marilyn Monroe conveys a deep sense of disillusionment with Hollywood, a place often idealized as the pinnacle of glamour and success. By likening it to a “big varicose vein,” she strips away the polished surface to reveal something ugly, swollen, and painful—a striking metaphor for the emotional and physical toll the entertainment industry can exact on those within it. Her imagery reflects bitterness, fatigue, and perhaps even revulsion, suggesting that behind the glitz lies decay.
This quote is particularly powerful coming from someone who became a symbol of Hollywood itself. Monroe had experienced the full spectrum of the industry: from exploitation and typecasting to adoration and isolation. Her choice of such a grotesque image highlights her awareness of the contrast between illusion and reality—between how the world sees Hollywood and how it actually functions behind the scenes.
In the modern entertainment landscape, where stories of burnout, exploitation, and image manipulation continue to surface, Monroe’s words remain hauntingly relevant. They remind us that fame can come with a cost, and that industries built on fantasy often obscure a harsh, even damaging, truth. Her metaphor challenges us to look past appearances and consider the personal consequences of a system that prizes image over humanity.
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