Charles Casillo was born in New York City. He has spent many years exploring and documenting his interests and obsessions, such as exceptionally talented people, strange encounters in various bars, Marilyn Monroe, eccentrics, sex, tragic figures and antidotes to insomnia, insecurity and loneliness. He has written about these and other subjects in his works. Casillo is the author of the biographies "Elizabeth and Monty: The Untold Story of Their Intimate Friendship," and "Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon"—a serious and comprehensive study of Monroe. The author says, "It will introduce you to the Marilyn Monroe you always wanted to know." His book "Outlaw: John Rechy" is the authorized history of the lives and careers of the legendary gay writer and hustler. Casillo’s novel "The Marilyn Diaries," was called “a classic” by Liz Smith. It is the first book to fictionalize Marilyn’s life in a diary format. "The Fame Game" is a gritty exploration of three Hollywood hopefuls, double-crossing each other as they scratch and claw their way up the show business ladder. He also has a book of short stories, "Boys, Lost and Found." Casillo's profiles, short stories, articles, and reviews have appeared in "The New York Times," "The Los Angeles Times," "New York" magazine, "The Los Angeles Review of Books," "Town & Counrty" and many others. He has appeared in Monroe documentaries "Behind the Headlines: Marilyn and Her Men," "Scandalous: The Death of Marilyn Monroe" and "Whatever Happened to Norma Jeane." His movies include "Let Me Die Quietly," a neo-noir thriller and the dark comedy, "Fetish" in which he appeared with iconic Joan Collins. Casillo divides his time between New York, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and other places where he hangs his hat. He loves hats and wears a lot of them.