Whether it's a desert oasis or the mental manipulation of a trompe l'oeil, the art of illusion is a delicate craft. We sometimes discount the importance of illusion…it's make believe, false, unreal, pretend. But those who dedicate themselves to the art of illusion would argue that it's the possibility, the belief that something could be real - that spurs the imagination turning the idea of a façade into something much more tangible.
Marilyn's work as an actor sometimes eclipsed the woman she fought hard to become. But the enduring legacy of her on-screen characters are testament to the work and dedication she held - sometimes in spite of the movie business itself. 'The Thinking Body' by Mabel Elsworth Todd would become synonymous with Monroe. A handbook, she herself, credited with developing the seductively choreographed movements that seemed to steal focus and burn scenery….
Ever the student, Marilyn understood that she needed to recreate herself into a masterpiece and then carefully follow her own recipe for it, time and time again.
I'm joined today with master-vocal impressionist, drag legend and Billboard charting recording artist - Jimmy James. Jimmy bucked the system with a drag illusion of Marilyn that bewildered and confused the hetero-normative daytime talk show circuit of the 80'sand 90's. Famous for his unmatched physical and vocal impression of Marilyn, Jimmy was pushing his artistry well before the now wildly accepted superstars of drag.
To find out more about Jimmy James, visit: jimmyjames.com or Facebook