Lifetime has cast Susan Sarandon as Marilyn Monroe’s mother in its upcoming miniseries on the late blonde bombshell, according to reports.
Sarandon will play Gladys Mortenson, who was mentally ill and a devout Christian Scientist who advised her actress/pin-up daughter to give up her reliance on drugs and return to her faith.
The four-hour miniseries “Marilyn” — which has not yet cast the lead role — is based on the 2010 biography “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” by J. Randy Taraborrelli, with a script written by Stephen Kronish (“24,” “The Kennedys”).
It’s set to premiere on Lifetime next year.
Sarandon — an Oscar winner for “Dead Man Walking” — has recently appeared on TV in guest roles on “Mike & Molly” and “The Big C.”