Her co-stars included James Dean, and Robert Redford, and she was married to actor Robert Wagner.
Natalie Wood, born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, had Hollywood dreams from a young age, thanks to her Russian immigrant parents. Those dreams took off when she landed her first movie role at just five years old in “Happy Land” (1943). But it was “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) that made her a household name, launching her into child stardom.
A Hollywood Icon in the Making
As she transitioned from child star to leading lady, Natalie made it clear that she had more to offer than just a cute face. In 1955, she starred in “Rebel Without a Cause” alongside James Dean, earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her raw, emotional performance as Judy helped establish her as a serious actress with incredible depth.
But her biggest breakout came with “West Side Story” in 1961, where she played Maria, the Puerto Rican girl who falls in love with a boy from the rival gang. Though her singing was dubbed, Natalie’s heartfelt portrayal of Maria made the role iconic. That same year, she earned another Oscar nomination for her work in “Splendor in the Grass,” a movie that solidified her ability to play complex, emotional roles. Her director on the film, Elia Kazan, praised her dedication and deep emotional range, saying, “She was truly one of a kind.”
The 1960s were full of hits for Natalie. She starred in “Gypsy” (1962) and “Love with the Proper Stranger” (1963), for which she earned yet another Academy Award nomination. Her range as an actress, from musicals to intense dramas, made her one of the most sought-after stars of the time.
Love and Family
Natalie’s love life was as captivating as her film career. At just 19, she married actor Robert Wagner in 1957, and the two quickly became Hollywood’s golden couple. Their marriage ended in 1962, but the story didn’t stop there. Natalie married producer Richard Gregson in 1969, and they had a daughter, Natasha, the following year. However, her marriage to Gregson ended in 1972, and shortly afterward, she and Wagner rekindled their romance, remarrying that same year. They had another daughter, Courtney, and from all accounts, Natalie was a dedicated and loving mother who managed to balance her Hollywood career with her family life.
Wagner once said about their love, “We were meant to be together, even when life pulled us apart.” Theirs was a love story that intrigued fans, and Natalie often spoke about how important her family was to her.
The Tragic End
On Nov. 28, 1981, Natalie’s life was tragically cut short while on a boating trip off Catalina Island with Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken. The circumstances surrounding her death have been the subject of intense speculation for decades. Initially, her death was ruled an accidental drowning, but the case was reopened in 2011. In 2018, Wagner was named a “person of interest,” though no conclusive evidence has been found, and the mystery remains unsolved.
Wagner has always maintained his innocence, and to this day, Natalie’s death remains one of Hollywood’s greatest unsolved tragedies.
Natalie’s Legacy and Why She is Noteworthy
Despite her untimely death, Natalie Wood’s legacy continues to live on. She was nominated for three Academy Awards, starred in some of Hollywood’s most beloved films, and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her work still resonates with audiences, and she remains an inspiration to actors and filmmakers alike.
Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Natalie Wood
- Lifelong Fear of Water: Natalie had a fear of water from an early age after nearly drowning during the filming of “The Green Promise” (1949). This makes the circumstances of her death even more haunting.
- A Style Icon: Natalie was not only famous for her acting but also for her impeccable fashion sense. She was a trendsetter in the 1960s, rocking the mod look and always exuding class and elegance.
- Perfectionist on Set: Natalie was known for her intense dedication to her roles. During “West Side Story,” she spent hours rehearsing her movements, even though her singing was dubbed.
- Beloved by Her Co-Stars: James Dean once said Natalie was one of the few people who truly understood him. Robert Redford, her co-star in “This Property Is Condemned” (1966), recalled how her energy and warmth lit up every room she entered.
Natalie Wood’s life may have been short, but her impact on Hollywood and the hearts of her fans remains timeless.
Sources:
- Elia Kazan’s Commentary: His reflections on working with Natalie Wood during “Splendor in the Grass” can be found in several interviews and biographies, where he highlighted her emotional depth and dedication to her craft.
- Robert Wagner’s Interviews and Memoir: Wagner has spoken about his relationship with Natalie Wood many times, especially in his memoir, “Pieces of My Heart: A Life” (2008), where he shares personal stories and his reflections on their love.
- Investigation into Wood’s Death: The details of the case reopening in 2011 and Wagner being named a person of interest in 2018 are documented in news sources like “The Los Angeles Times” and “NBC News,” as well as official reports from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
- James Dean’s Quotes about Natalie: James Dean reportedly had a deep connection with Natalie Wood, as documented in various biographies, such as “The Real James Dean” by Peter L. Winkler. Their friendship and mutual respect were often cited in interviews with friends and colleagues.
- Robert Redford’s Comments: Robert Redford has spoken about his admiration for Natalie Wood in interviews, particularly recalling their time working together on “This Property Is Condemned.” You can find these in various interviews published in “Vanity Fair” and “Esquire.”
