THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM PRESENTS ERICA GERARD DI BONA’S NEW BOOK “A LETTER IS BETTER! THE ART OF THANK YOU”.

 THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM PRESENTS AUTHOR ERICA GERARD DI BONA’S NEW BOOK“A LETTER IS BETTER! THE ART OF THANK YOU”.

 (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA June 19 2026)

By Karen Ostlund                

                                                           

(Left) Erica Gerard Di Bona, Vin Di Bona and Donelle Dadigan.

Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of The Hollywood Museum) and some of Hollywood’s favorite stars from TV, film, music, came together to celebrate the new book “A LETTER IS BETTER! The Art of Thank You” by author Erica Gerard Di Bona (wife of TV Producer Vin Di Bona, who created America’s Funniest Home Videos). She has been on the air over 36 years. Dadigan, said “Erica’s new book is a great read and shows a new generation that the art of writing a “Letter is Better To Say Thank You". In a world that moves so fast in this digital age, a letter is still a cherished form of saying thank you. This means so much to know that someone took the time to write a letter - to express a very special sentiment.”

This event was part of the National Typewriter Day. Among the stars that Erica created relationships with thru her letter writing included: Robert Guillaume, Tom Hanks, Connie Chung, Norman Lear and Leonard Maltin.
                                                          

Erica Gerard Di Bona signs copies of "A Letter Is Better! The Art of Thank You" at the Hollywood Museum, joined by, from left, Dean Butler, Dee Wallace, Donelle Dadigan, Carolyn Hennesy, and seated beside her, Vin Di Bona.

Speakers included: Vin Di Bona (Creator/America’s Funniest Home Video/ABC Network/ 800th episode), Kevin Beggs (Chairman of Lionsgate Television Group/Lionsgate Chief Content Integration Officer), Shephard Fairley (Artist for the book), Donna Guillaume (Wife of Robert Guillaume), Kevin Bright (Co-Creator of the TV series Friends) and Marissa Murrow (American Landscape Artist).

The book "A Letter Is Better!: The Art of Thank You" by Erica Gerard Di Bona is a guide that champions the power of physical notes and letters in a digital world. It explains, by taking the time to send a thoughtful note, can build meaningful relationships, open doors, and help you stand out. 

Through personal stories and her simple "Me, You, & Us" formula, you'll learn how to craft notes that feel genuine-not generic. Whether you're job hunting, networking, or simply want to be remembered for all the right reasons, this book will help you stand out with style and sincerity.

The Concepts of the Book www.ArtofThankyou.com

• The Power of Snail Mail: Di Bona writes over 1,000 typed letters a year on vintage typewriter explains how a genuine, physical letter has a permanence that texts and emails lack. People tend to keep and frame them.

• The "Me, You, & Us" Formula: The book provides a simple framework to help you craft thank-you notes that feel genuine rather than generic.

• Building Connections: Whether you are networking, job hunting, or trying to attract donors, the book explains how a personalized letter can cut through the noise and get noticed.

• Practical Tips: The second part of the book covers the analog side of writing, offering tips on how to pick your own typewriter.

www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com

Academy Museum presents Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, through Feb.28 2027.

The Academy Museum presents Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, is curated by Associate Curator Sophia Serrano, with Curatorial Assistant Simran Bhalla.

By Karen Ostlund
WestHollywoodToday.blogspot  CA June 1 2026

                                                                

POSTERS: "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon" exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures features vintage and original movie posters from
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
 Some Like It Hot (1959)
Niagara (1953)
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
Monkey Business (1952)

                                                                             

Academy Museum, Marilyn Monroe's costumes.

                                                                

The Pink dress from "Gentlemen Prefers Blondes" 1953.

The exhibit "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon" celebrates Marilyn Monroe as born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926. She is seen as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many ways, of how she was created in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system. The exhibit opened on May 31, 2026 and is on view through February 28, 2027.

 The Academy Museum presents hundreds of Monroe's original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters, and rarely seen personal materials—many of which will be on display for the first time—the exhibition will give unique insight into her agency in becoming a Hollywood icon. The exhibition will also feature an extensive display of Monroe’s screen-worn costumes, ranging from a dress featured in Love Happy (1949) to items from her final and unfinished film, Something’s Got to Give (1962). Major highlights include two costumes by Orry-Kelly from Some Like it Hot (1959), as well as the rarely exhibited famous pink dress by William Travilla from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).
                                                           

"The Seven Year Itch" 1955 dress.

Sophia Serrano: Associate Curator spoke about the curation of the exhibition.  She described Monroe not just as a studio-created star, but as a brilliant image-maker and creative force who had deep agency over her own identity, style, and film roles.

Serrano emphasizes that Monroe's iconic presence was no mere phenomenon. Evidence like crossed-out contact sheets from photo-shoots proved that she "was heavily involved in all aspects of her stardom".

When discussing Monroe's iconic film wardrobes, Serrano notes Monroe was frequently engaged with her costume’s design. Monroe understood exactly which styles and silhouettes flattered her under specific filming conditions, such as avoiding A-lines in CinemaScope.

Serrano referred to the massive display of costumes as the "hook" of the exhibit, carefully designed to draw visitors in before taking a deep dive into her personal belongings, everyday clothing, and letters that revealed her artistic ambitions.
                                                                     

The Showgirl costume 1955, at Madison Square garden benefit.

                                                    Highlights of the costumes include:

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): The rare and famous hot-pink silk satin dress designed by William Travilla.

• The Seven Year Itch (1955): The iconic white dress made famous by the subway grate scene.

• Some Like It Hot (1959): Two costumes designed by Orry-Kelly.

• Love Happy (1949): A dress featured in her early film appearance.

• The Misfits (1961): The boots she wore in what would be her final completed film.

• Something's Got to Give (1962): Costumes from her final, unfinished project.

Beyond the screen wardrobe, the exhibit also displays an expansive collection of her everyday wear, personal objects, and beauty accessories. AcademyMuseum.org