A new book reveals the surprising connection between Marilyn Monroe's marriage to Joe DiMaggio and an "I Love Lucy" star. "Driving Marilyn," written by Joel Brokaw, son of late Hollywood agent Norman Brokaw, details how William Frawley, known for his role as Fred Mertz in the iconic sitcom, orchestrated the meeting between the actress and the baseball legend.

The story begins with a young Marilyn Monroe dining with Norman Brokaw at The Hollywood Brown Derby. Frawley, also dining at the restaurant, approached their table and mentioned he was with Joe DiMaggio, who expressed interest in meeting Monroe. Interestingly, Monroe, not a baseball enthusiast, had no idea who DiMaggio was, prompting Brokaw to quickly fill her in on the Yankee Clipper's fame.

After their meal, Brokaw and Monroe joined DiMaggio's table, marking the beginning of their relationship. The book further explores Norman Brokaw's career, from his start in the William Morris Agency mailroom to becoming its CEO. Brokaw represented numerous A-list stars, including Elvis Presley and Clint Eastwood.

The book also sheds light on Norman Brokaw's connection to Monroe through his uncle, Johnny Hyde, another prominent Hollywood agent. Hyde, deeply invested in Monroe's career, secured her a contract with 20th Century Fox. Upon Hyde's death, Brokaw took over Monroe's representation, further solidifying their bond.

Years later, DiMaggio sought Brokaw's advice on his troubled marriage with Monroe. DiMaggio, wanting Monroe to be a housewife, clashed with her burgeoning acting career. Brokaw's counsel, drawing a parallel between DiMaggio's dedication to baseball and Monroe's passion for acting, resonated with DiMaggio and extended their marriage, albeit briefly. This advice also forged a lasting friendship between the two men.

A final, poignant connection between Brokaw and Monroe emerged following the actress's death. Brokaw, needing childcare, hired Eunice Murray, Monroe's housekeeper, on the recommendation of their shared psychiatrist. Murray, who had discovered Monroe's body, brought a somber note to this chapter of Brokaw's life.

"Driving Marilyn" offers a fascinating glimpse into the intertwined lives of Hollywood figures and the unexpected roles they played in shaping each other's destinies.