Marilyn and Bernie.

During Marilyn's transition from Norma Jeane to Marilyn, photographer Bruno Bernard was one of the few people she confided in. She treated him like an older brother and called him Bernie. She was even more insecure going into this business than she was being in it, and Bernie thought she lacked a good, strong, female role model in her life. She often wouldn't be herself and try to be someone else. He commented that, "with her trying to be an actress and all, that's a very dangerous thing." She was able to slip into other people's getups and characteristics. Bernie said, "She is a self taught expert mimic. She was trying to be Betty Grable, imitating her poses. She wasn’t ready for Hollywood’s buildup." After realizing this he introduced her to drama coach, Natasha Lytess. Natasha became like a surrogate mother to Marilyn, as Bernie would say, he also felt that she gave Marilyn the training and support she needed. After she was becoming successful and had her first big press conference as Marilyn Monroe, Bernie was there. He squeezed her hand and told her to "be Norma Jeane." 

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Photo by Bruno Bernard, 1951.