Ralph R. Greenson (born Romeo Samuel Greenschpoon, September 20, 1911 – November 24, 1979) was a prominent American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. Greenson is famous for being Marilyn Monroe's psychiatrist.[1]: 421 He was the basis for Leo Rosten's 1963 novel, Captain Newman, M.D.[1]: 424 The book was later made into a movie starring Gregory Peck as Greenson's character.
Greenson treated returning WWII soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. He also had other famous clients such as Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, and Vivien Leigh. Greenson and his wife, Hildi Greenson, were the darlings of the Southern California psychoanalytic community and intellectuals, and associated with entertainment industry leaders. They were good friends with Anna Freud, Fawn Brodie and Margaret Mead.[citation needed]