Natalie Wood is an American actress of Russian descent. Born in July 1938 in San Francisco in a family of emigrants from Vladivostok and Barnaul. Natalie's parents moved to the United States and changed their surname to Gourdin. Thanks to Russian roots, the girl was fluent in two languages: English and Russian. Her speech was with an American accent, however, she considered herself “very Russian”. More information about the biography of Natalie Wood and her creative career can be found in this article.
Debut actress and movie roles
From early childhood, Wood was interested in creativity. The first shootings took place when the girl was only 4 years old. She starred in films such as Miracle on 34th Street, Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Star. In 1955, Natalie, along with James Dean, starred in the film "Rebel Without a Cause", for which she was awarded the prestigious American Academy Award. Also, for the role of Judy, the actress was awarded the Golden Globe Award for the most promising debut. Thanks to this work, the young actress was noticed by the directors, and proposals for shooting began to come regularly. Since 1961, Wood starred in films that brought her world fame. “West Side Story”, “Gypsy”, “Big Races”, “Splendor in the Grass”, “Love with a Suitable Stranger” - made the actress popular and recognizable. Photos of Natalie Wood can be seen in this article.
The last film with the actress
Since 1970, Wood's creative activity has declined. She decided to devote herself to the family, so she refused many work. One of the last roles of the talented actress was the work in the film “From Now and Forever”, released in 1979. Natalie was awarded the Golden Globe Award for this work.
The departure of the actress from life
Natalie Wood passed away at the end of November 1981 under mysterious circumstances. She, along with her husband Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken, was relaxing on a yacht. The official version of the death of the actress is drowning due to an accidental fall into the water. 30 years after the death of the actress, the investigation into her death was restored. However, no new details have been identified. But in the case there was evidence of the presence of abrasions and bruises on the body of the actress, which she received shortly before drowning. Information about how the actress actually died was still a mystery.
Natalie Wood: actress's personal life
Natalie was married twice. In 1957, her chosen one was the popular actor Robert Wagner. The marriage of young people lasted about 4 years. In 1962, the couple announced their separation. The actress was alone for a long time, until in 1969 she met Richard Gregson. The couple signed in the same year. Married to the actress and producer in 1970, a daughter was born, Natasha Gregson-Wagner, who continued the acting dynasty after her mother. She starred in some films, where she played mostly secondary roles. Natalie Wood's second marriage did not last long. After 3 years, the couple broke up. A possible reason for the divorce was the restoration of the actress's relationship with her first husband, actor Robert Wagner. In 1972, the couple again married. The couple lived together until the sudden death of the actress.
The first husband of the actress
Robert Wagner is an American actor and producer. He gained the most popularity thanks to his participation in serial films, as well as in talk shows. Wagner's most famous work is the role in the television series Spouses Hart, co-creator Sidney Sheldon. Robert Wagner was twice married to actress Natalie Wood. Together they raised their daughter Natasha Wagner-Gregson, who later became a movie actress. The actor and his wife were on the yacht on the day when Natalie died under unclear circumstances.
Role in drama
Rebel Without a Cause is an American youth drama released in 1955. The director of the film is Nicholas Rey. The film was nominated and awarded the Golden Globe and Oscars. The plot of the film is based on the life of young Jim Stark. He grew up in a decent family, but his rebellious nature breaks out. The young man contacts a group of juvenile bandits and enters into a confrontation with them. Gang leader Buzz and rebel Jim fight for the attention of the beautiful Judith, who in spite of her father got in touch with the gang. In the film, Natalie Wood played the role of Judith. Together with her in the picture was the idol of the youth of the 50s, James Dean.
Actress in the movie Splendor in the Grass
"Splendor in the Grass" is an American-made melodrama released on screens in 1961. The film is directed by Elia Kazan. The film was nominated for various awards. Among them are the Oscars and the Golden Globe. Splendor in the Grass is an Oscar winner in the Best Original Story nomination. The plot of the film is based on the impossible love of two high school students. Her parents are against a relationship before marriage, his father wants his son to go to university. The guy believes that the best way out of the situation is to have an affair with a lover's girlfriend. The girl, learning about this, ends up in a psychiatric clinic. One of the main roles in the film was played by Natalie Wood. For her work, she was nominated for an Oscar as "Best Actress".
One of the most successful roles of the actress.
West Side Story is a film based on the Broadway musical of the same name. The director of the picture is Jerome Robbins. The musical film is on the list of the best movie musicals in America. Also, the film is a laureate and a nominee of prestigious awards. Among them are the Oscars for the Best Film, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Editing. The plot is based on the love story of Romeo and Juliet, unfolding in the modern conditions of New York. The protagonists Maria and Toni are in love, despite the differences of their families. Natalie Wood starred in the film. She embodied the image of Mary on the screen.