Natalie Wood is an American actress who became one of the most beloved and talented stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was born on 20 July 1938 in San Francisco, California to Russian immigrant parents and began her career at a young age.
Natalie played her first role at the age of 4 in the film Happyland (1943) and quickly became a well-known face in the film industry. Her real success came with her role as young Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street (1947), which launched her long and successful career.
As Wood grew older, she expanded her acting range, playing more mature and complex characters. She appeared in a number of acclaimed films in the 1950s, including Rebel Without a Cause (1955) with James Dean and Sal Mineo.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Natalie’s career continued to grow with films such as West Side Story (1961), Splendour on the Grass (1961) and Love with the Right Stranger (1963). Her role as Maria in West Side Story was one of the most iconic, and for it she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress.
Wood’s personal life was as colourful as her career. She married actor Robert Wagner in 1957, their relationship went through difficulties and they divorced in 1962 but remarried in 1972. She also had a famous romance with actor Warren Beatty.
Natalie Wood’s life was tragically cut short on 29 November 1981, when she was 43 years old. She drowned off the coast of Catalina Island, and this mysterious event has been the subject of many rumours and investigations. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, but the circumstances of the incident continue to raise questions.
Despite her early demise, Wood’s legacy as a talented actress remains alive. She continues to be a Hollywood icon, remembered for her memorable performances, beauty, and ability to give depth to each character.
