In March 1955, Marilyn Monroe was already one of the most recognized faces on the planet. But on one particular night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, she traded the movie set for the circus ring — dressed in full showgirl costume and perched atop a pink elephant. It was one of the most eye-catching public appearances of her career, and it was all done for charity.
The event was the premiere night of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The evening served as a benefit for the New York Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation. Monroe’s appearance helped draw attention and donations to the cause, and the spectacle of a Hollywood superstar riding an elephant in a glittering costume made sure no one in attendance forgot the night.
Before Monroe ever stepped into the arena, there was a flurry of activity behind the scenes. Dressing rooms buzzed with costume fitters, photographers, and assistants working to get her ready. The showgirl costume had to be just right — and getting it there took effort. Monroe was photographed throughout the preparation process, giving a rare, unguarded look at what went on before the curtain rose.
Photographer Ed Feingersh was present in the dressing room during the preparations, capturing Monroe in unscripted moments. His access produced some strikingly candid images — Monroe talking with attendants, adjusting her outfit, and at one point visibly frustrated when the costume didn’t fit as expected.
Monroe’s dedication to getting her appearance right was evident throughout the preparations. She was involved, vocal, and particular about the details — a reflection of the same perfectionism she brought to her film work. Despite the frustrations with the fitting, she pushed through and got ready for the main event.
Once dressed, Monroe rehearsed for the benefit performance in her full circus costume. The outfit was lavish and theatrical — exactly the kind of thing designed to command attention in a packed arena. She wore it with the same confidence she brought to any role, and the rehearsal photos show her in full form before the crowds arrived.
Then came the moment the crowd had gathered for. Circus hands helped Monroe climb onto the back of a pink elephant, and she was paraded through Madison Square Garden to mark the official opening night of the Ringling Bros. circus. The arena was filled with spectators, and Monroe — glittering in her showgirl costume — sat atop the elephant with a wide smile. It was a scene unlike anything most people had ever witnessed from a movie star of her status.
Monroe’s willingness to take part in the spectacle said a great deal about her approach to charitable work. This wasn’t a quiet donation or a backstage endorsement — she was fully in the spotlight, playing a role in the show itself. Her participation drew significant press coverage, which only amplified awareness of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation’s cause.
Monroe’s charitable work throughout her career was wide-ranging. She contributed to children’s welfare causes, drawing directly from her own difficult upbringing — she was raised in foster homes after her parents separated, and she never distanced herself from that history. She also worked with WAIF, an organization dedicated to placing abandoned children in homes. The 1955 circus benefit was one of many public acts of giving during this period of her life.
By 1955, Monroe’s career and public profile had reached extraordinary heights, and she used both to support the causes she believed in. The Madison Square Garden circus night stood out as one of her more theatrical charity appearances — part performance, part spectacle, and entirely memorable. Comedian Milton Berle was also on hand that evening, adding to the star power of the benefit.
She was a wild one at times but one sexy & beautiful woman