Natalie Wood’s undisclosed inner torments lingered throughout her lifetime, particularly her inappropriate involvements with authoritative older men, casting a haunting shadow. Tragically, fate dealt a cruel hand in the end. Just as her life appeared to stabilize, a grim destiny unfolded, shrouded in an enigma to this day.
01. An Unsettling Childhood
Natalie Wood’s trajectory to Hollywood stardom belied her tumultuous beginnings. Born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko, she emerged into a world of complexities shaped by her Russian immigrant parents. The Great Depression burdened Wood’s father, Nick, leading him down the path of alcoholism and transforming him from a nurturing figure into a force of aggression. Yet, this was only part of the story.
02. The Influence of Her Complex Mother
Wood’s challenges extended beyond her father’s struggles. Her mother, Maria, possessed a penchant for manipulation that rivaled her husband’s difficulties. Guided by a distorted sense of morality, Maria deliberately provoked her husband’s temper. Moreover, her daughter Lana would later label her a compulsive fabricator. In an atmosphere characterized by melodrama and peculiar superstitions, Maria led the family without offering the stability necessary for nurturing her children.
Little did Wood realize, this marked only the inception of her ordeal.
03. A Prophesied Stardom
A fortune-teller’s prophecy, envisioning Natalie Wood’s future celebrity status as one that would span the globe, became a tenacious fixation for her mother, Maria. This revelation triggered Maria’s transformation into an overbearing stage parent. Obsessed with launching Wood into the entertainment realm, Maria steered her trajectory. Regrettably, young Natalie had minimal autonomy in this matter.
Ensnared into the limelight against her will, Wood’s journey toward fame was a far more chilling narrative than most are aware of.
04. Ambivalence Towards Cinema
Had it not been for her intrusive mother, Natalie Wood’s foray into acting might have taken an alternate route. Despite possessing inherent acting talent, Wood’s enthusiasm for the film industry fell short of her mother’s fervor. Maria served as the driving force behind securing roles for her daughter, while Wood passively acquiesced. However, it was only upon this platform’s establishment that the true harrowing tale unfolded.
05. She Embraced Rebellion
On a fateful evening, Natalie Wood and Dennis Hopper embarked on a daring escapade, indulging in merriment and libations—a night that would lead to an unforeseen catastrophe. A vehicular mishap resulted in a collision, casting both thespians into turmoil and Natalie Wood into the confines of a medical facility. Yet amidst the shadows, a ray of light emerged. As her paramour, Nicholas Ray graced her bedside, the attending physician’s label of “a defiant juvenile delinquent” resonated with her spirit.
This unexpected remark infused Wood with vitality, potentially shaping the course of her acting journey.
06. A Rebel at Heart
Even within the confines of a sterile hospital room, Natalie Wood’s aspirations were unwavering: the coveted role in Rebel Without a Cause. Amidst the aftermath of the accident, a revelation struck her—she had inadvertently embodied the essence of rebellion, devoid of a specific cause. In response to the physician’s slight, she turned to Ray, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, and exclaimed, “Nick, did you catch his words? ‘A juvenile delinquent’! Can I secure the role now?”
07. A Pivotal Moment
The extent of Natalie Wood’s car accident’s influence on her role acquisition remains a mystery. Nonetheless, the enigmatic Nicholas Ray eventually fulfilled his dubious endeavor, transmitting a resounding message to Warner Brothers: “Amongst the array of 32 auditioned talents, a solitary girl embodies the essence of Judy—Natalie Wood.”
After a series of questionable associations and one reckless escapade, Wood finally secured her foothold in the industry. The opportunity at hand was not to be squandered.
08. A Heartfelt Pursuit
Natalie Wood’s alignment with Rebel Without a Cause went beyond the surface. Earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, her performance was a testament to her aptitude. Yet this marked a pivotal juncture. Wood found a script that resonated deeply—an endeavor she truly longed to partake in.
Challenges persisted. Despite parental disapproval, Wood stood her ground, pursuing her heart’s desire. The film’s triumph, however, obscured a somber truth lingering beneath the veneer of career success.
09. Facing the Waters: A Brush with Tragedy
Natalie Wood’s intense aquaphobia had a profound impact on her life, preventing her from mastering swimming and even keeping her head underwater during baths. This fear took a harrowing turn while filming The Green Promise, a moment intended to be a dramatic scene turned into a real-life crisis. Tasked with sprinting across a bridge set to collapse upon her safe passage, young Natalie’s ordeal turned into a nightmarish reality.
Sadly, the bridge crumbled prematurely, sending Wood into the depths and resulting in a broken wrist. Little did she know, this distressing incident would strangely foreshadow her tumultuous future.
10. From Beloved Child Star to Emerging Starlet
Natalie Wood’s rise to stardom began with her endearing portrayal as a child star, most notably in the timeless holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. However, the inexorable passage of time meant she could not forever remain the eternal ingenue. Navigating the awkward terrain of adolescence, the transition from child actor to blossoming young actress became her new challenge. Yet, this journey into Hollywood’s complexities came with its own set of trials.
As Wood matured into a captivating young woman, uncharted dangers lay ahead.
11. Caught in an Unsettling Web of Attraction
The transformation of Natalie Wood from a charming child to a captivating young woman inadvertently drew the attention of predatory studio executives and, notably, a disconcerting director. During her audition for Rebel Without a Cause at the tender age of 16, Wood captivated the gaze of the 42-year-old director, Nicholas Ray.
In this intricate web of power dynamics, Wood’s introduction to the adult aspects of the acting world was anything but innocuous.
12. Navigating the Realm of Fierce Competition
Ensnared by director Nicholas Ray, a young and underage Natalie found herself entangled in an inappropriate relationship. Her determination to secure the role of Judy in Rebel Without a Cause drove her to engage with Ray in ways that extended beyond the script. However, these efforts did not guarantee her the coveted role. Competing against other talented actresses like Jayne Mansfield and Debbie Reynolds, Wood found herself in a tense casting limbo.
Wood’s fortunes would dramatically shift one fateful night, altering the trajectory of her career forever.
13. Emotional Breakdown
Wood’s mother held lofty aspirations for her daughter’s success, but it exacted a heavy toll. In scenes requiring intense emotions, Wood’s mother provided unconventional coaching, pushing her boundaries to distressing limits. To perfect a weeping scene, Maria once staged a distressing spectacle involving a struggling butterfly, stripping away its wings before Wood’s eyes.
This unsettling tactic yielded the desired outcome, reducing young Natalie to tears just moments before the director’s cue. However, these unorthodox maternal maneuvers did not conclude there.
14. Manipulative Mastery
Maria’s maternal approach was marked by unrelenting pressure, her sole concern resting on the brilliance of her daughter’s performances. Beyond the macabre butterfly incident, Maria recounted grim tales of animal suffering and recounted memories of their departed family dog. Wood found herself ensnared as a mere marionette, entangled in a disconcerting and treacherous journey.
15. Aquatic Apprehensions
Among the disquieting revelations of Natalie Wood’s early years was her profound fear of water. Considering the role that water ultimately played in her tragic fate, the origins of this phobia take on an even more ominous quality. Once again, the source traced back to her mother. Wood’s elder sister, Olga, later disclosed, “Our mother had an aversion to swimming due to a fear of drowning, and this anxiety somehow transferred to Natalie.”
This fear, however, became an enduring specter throughout her life, catalyzed by a distressing episode during a traumatizing filming experience.
16. Maintaining a Dual Existence
At a glance, Wood, aged 16, projected an image of prosperity, yet concealed beneath closed doors was an entirely contrasting reality. Only after the publication of Suzanne Finstad’s biography years later did one of Wood’s most unsettling chapters come to the fore. Evidently, she had been summoned to a hotel suite belonging to one of her idols for an audition, an incident that morphed into a horrifying ordeal.
17. Guarding a Veiled Enigma
It is recounted that a highly acclaimed, married celebrity subjected her to a brutal and intimate assault at the tender age of 16. Following the encounter, Wood was left in a state of terror, injured, and too afraid to seek assistance. Instead of approaching the authorities, she shared her experience with her closest companions. Subsequently, even Wood’s sister, Lana, verified these speculations and disclosed that the incident transpired at the Chateau Marmont Hotel. Yet, the identity of the perpetrator remains shrouded in secrecy.
18. Concealing the Culprit’s Identity
Despite never explicitly identifying her attacker, Wood harbored an intense loathing for him until her passing. Additionally, the conjectures regarding his true identity persist to this day, with Kirk Douglas emerging as the primary suspect. Interestingly, upon his demise in 2020, Natalie Wood’s name began trending on social media. However, the narrative seems to conclude at this point.
The actuality behind one of her most distressing moments is apt to remain forever obscured. Regrettably for Natalie, fate had a series of unfortunate events in store for the hapless actress.
19. Harboring a Starry Infatuation
At 18, Natalie Wood was deeply enamored by none other than the charismatic Elvis Presley. Captivated by his music and striking appearance, she nurtured a strong desire to meet him. Acting upon her request, Wood’s former co-star and friend, Dennis Hopper, orchestrated an introduction between the two luminaries. The moment their eyes met, a spark ignited, but their story was destined for a tumultuous conclusion.
20. Falling for a Music Icon
Elvis spared no effort in sweeping his new girlfriend off her feet. During an early date, he showcased his star influence by reserving an entire theater. Such grand gestures left a profound impression on Wood, and the couple soon embarked on a journey to deepen their connection. However, Elvis’s intention to introduce Wood to his family proved to be a significant misstep.
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21. She Disliked His Mother
Wood eagerly accompanied her well-known partner to Memphis to meet his mother, Gladys. However, upon arrival, her enthusiasm quickly transformed into shock. Elvis had an intense bond with his mother, surpassing the usual mother-son relationship, which became unsettlingly evident when Gladys asked Elvis to sit on her lap. Wood found it difficult to accept Elvis’ overly affectionate relationship with his mother, and her feelings of dislike were reciprocated.
22. She Sparked Envy
Elvis believed that introducing a successful young actress to his mother would impress her, but this plan backfired. Instead of being impressed, Gladys felt jealous and disapproved of Wood. Gladys was scandalized by Wood’s presence, especially when she saw her moving around their home in revealing attire. This marked the beginning of their strained relationship.
23. She Made an Escape
After meeting Gladys, Wood’s relationship with the rock ‘n’ roll icon deteriorated rapidly. Shortly after arriving, she reached out to her sister Lana in distress, expressing the need to escape the situation due to Gladys’ negative influence. Wood fabricated a family emergency to leave the Presley residence promptly.
Despite her series of unsuccessful romances, Wood’s most significant love story was yet to come.
24. She Envisioned Marriage
The tale of Natalie Wood and Richard Wagner begins with a serendipitous encounter. At just ten years old, Wood spotted 18-year-old Wagner at the 20th Century Fox studios. Reflecting on the moment in a 1976 interview, she fondly recalled declaring to her mother, “I will marry him.”
With her life full of curious coincidences and prophetic events, it’s no surprise that this prediction eventually became reality.
25. She Engaged in a Publicity Relationship
Years later, Wood and Wagner had the opportunity to meet again, this time as adults. However, their initial meeting wasn’t all romance; rather, it was orchestrated by the studio to generate publicity for the emerging actress. The studio’s plan proved successful, and the staged date went off without a hitch. Wood believed she had found her ideal partner, but time would eventually reveal the truth about Wagner.
26. She Accepted His Proposal
From that point onward, Wood embraced her fairytale romance with Wagner. As a couple, the two actors seemed like a perfect match. Within a year, Wood sported a pearl-and-diamond engagement ring on her finger, Wagner having proposed in a classic manner by placing the ring in a glass of champagne for her to discover.
While her love life flourished, her professional career faced significant challenges.
27. She Held Firm
Natalie Wood’s dissatisfaction with her career under the studio’s control led her to take a bold stand. Refusing roles in “The Miracle” and “A Summer Place,” she asserted herself against the studio’s wishes. This act of rebellion resulted in an 18-month suspension by Warner Bros. Despite the studio’s resistance, Wood eventually gained the right to select one film per year after a feud with studio head Jack Warner. Nonetheless, her career remained at risk.
28. She Found Redemption
Upon her return, Wood’s career appeared to be in decline. However, a role in “Splendor in the Grass” directed by Elia Kazan revitalized her trajectory. The experience allowed Wood to delve deep into her acting abilities and push herself to new limits. The collaboration was transformative for Wood, who admired Kazan’s work since “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1951.
Her artistic growth, however, placed strains on her personal life, including her marriage.
29. She Overshadowed Him
As Natalie Wood’s career soared, her success overshadowed that of her husband, Robert Wagner. By the time she portrayed the iconic role of Maria in “West Side Story” (1961), Wood had become a household name. Despite Wagner’s claim that he didn’t compete with his wife and attributed their marriage challenges to her celebrity status, rumors in the gossip mill told a different story.
30. She Ignited Scandalous Gossip
Following the split between Wood and Wagner in 1962, a new romantic chapter swiftly emerged. With a fresh companion adorning her arm, the media was sent into a frenzy. This new paramour was none other than Warren Beatty, Wood’s former co-star from the movie “Splendor in the Grass.” The pieces of the puzzle seemed to conflict. Did Wood’s relationship with Beatty overlap with her marriage to Wagner, causing their separation?
31. No Infidelity in Sight
Contrary to rumors, the 2020 documentary “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind” dismisses infidelity as the cause behind Wood’s divorce. Allegations of Wood’s unfaithfulness to Wagner are not supported by evidence. However, it was Wood’s sister, Lana, who provided the most astonishing claims about the breakup. She pointed a finger at Wagner, revealing unsettling details.
32. Unveiling Hidden Truths
According to Lana, Wagner was the focal point of the marriage’s deterioration. Allegedly, Wood stumbled upon him in a compromising situation – entangled with another man in a bed. Wagner has vehemently denied these allegations, presenting his own straightforward explanation. Nonetheless, an excerpt from Natalie Wood’s unpublished memoir only deepens the enigma surrounding their separation.
In her words, “Recalling the incident that marked the final rift is too distressing for me to put into words. It wasn’t merely the last straw, but the shattering of romantic illusions by the force of reality.”
33. A Chaotic Love Affair
Wood transitioned from one tumultuous relationship to another. Her time with Warren Beatty was far from smooth sailing. Their interactions were often marked by conflict, intertwined with their passionate connection. She later reflected, “Our affair was a collision from beginning to end.” Their romance dissolved after a mere two years, leaving Natalie shattered in its wake.
34. Battling Inner Demons
After another heartbreak, Natalie Wood’s life took a downward spiral. Her mental well-being deteriorated, and even her acting career became an arduous endeavor. The toll of working on “The Great Race” pushed her to the edge, culminating in a suicide attempt involving sleeping pills. A moment of clarity intervened, making her realize her will to survive.
Though struggling, Wood managed to conceal her turmoil behind a facade of successful acting. However, her truth could only remain hidden for so long.
35. A Star Among Titans
During the mid-1960s, Natalie Wood soared to the pinnacle of stardom. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, securing her position as one of the era’s most sought-after leading ladies. Yet, beneath the veneer of fame, her emotions ran wild. Therapy was sought to confront her inner demons, but its effectiveness was limited.
36. Breaking Free
Hollywood proved to be an inadequate remedy for Wood’s mental anguish. Seeking solace, she paid a hefty sum of $175,000 to Warner Brothers to extricate herself from her contract. Her transformation went further as she cleansed her professional life, severing ties with agents, publicists, accountants, managers, and attorneys.
37. Exploring Love’s Realm
As the decade drew to a close, the troubled actress found herself entangled in matrimony once again. Before saying “I do,” Wood dallied with a series of famous suitors, including Michael Caine and David Niven. Her romantic escapades took unpredictable paths, with a brief engagement to Ladislav Blatnik, a shoe manufacturer.
However, it wasn’t until 1969 that she stumbled upon what appeared to be a perfect match.
38. A Marital Betrayal
Natalie Wood’s union with film producer Richard Gregson was fruitful yet fleeting. Within a year of marriage, the couple welcomed their first child, Natasha. Happiness seemed within grasp until Gregson’s betrayal cast a dark shadow. Wood discovered her husband engaging in an unsavory conversation with his secretary, shattering her trust entirely.
Determined not to remain alone, Natalie Wood sought companionship anew shortly after finalizing her divorce. The identity of her new partner surprised everyone.
39. A Rekindled Flame
In 1972, Natalie Wood rekindled her relationship with her former husband, Robert Wagner. Their reunion was swift, but it became apparent that a deep affection persisted between them. Reviving their connection after Wood’s visit to Palm Springs, she shared with People magazine, “We reflected on the evolution of our marriages. He had transformed from a boy into a man.”
40. Discovering Tranquility
A few years later, the reunited pair celebrated the arrival of a daughter named Courtney. Wood appeared to have emerged from a profound abyss, finding solace through therapy, reconciling with her spouse, and nurturing a loving family. Most of her time was dedicated to her children, with sporadic engagement in various projects. Even her admirers rallied behind her, enamored by her idyllic celebrity household.
Everything seemed to align perfectly for Wood, yet unbeknownst to her, her time in the spotlight would be tragically curtailed.
41. A Farewell to Shores
In 1981, Natalie, aged 43, stepped aboard her husband’s vessel, Splendour, oblivious to the perils ahead. The evening of November 28th commenced innocently, with Wood and Wagner hosting their co-star and friend, Christopher Walken, envisioning a night of camaraderie. However, what began as a tranquil gathering culminated in an infamous outcome.
42. Vanishing Act
The following morning, the occupants of Splendour awoke to a disconcerting absence: Wood was nowhere to be found. The chilling truth behind her disappearance came to light. Authorities located her body at 8 am, approximately a mile away from the yacht, along with a dinghy that had washed ashore nearby. The tragic demise of the acclaimed actress, someone with a deep-seated fear of water, was a result of a drowning accident.
While the events preceding Natalie Wood’s vanishing remained shrouded in mystery for decades, certain clues offered glimpses into the possible sequence of events.
43. Enigmatic Disappearance
The sudden passing of Natalie Wood left an enigmatic void. Wagner’s assertion that his wife was not beside him when he fell asleep was met with skepticism, given the mounting evidence casting doubt on his narrative. Conflicting accounts emerged; for instance, Wagner initially denied any altercation when the yacht’s captain, Dennis Davern, mentioned a heated exchange between the couple earlier that evening.
However, in his later memoir, Wagner admitted to quarreling with his wife before her disappearance, casting shadows on the veracity of his retelling.
44. Signs Within the Autopsy Report
Wood’s autopsy report introduced further perplexities. The presence of visible injuries—bruises on her body and a scrape on her cheek—raised questions about their origins. The coroner’s explanation suggested that the combination of alcohol and painkillers may have exacerbated her intoxication, potentially leading to an accidental fall while attempting to board the dinghy.
Nonetheless, this hypothesis was not without its weaknesses.
45. Echoes of Distress
Wood’s sister, Lana, vehemently disputed the notion that her sister would venture into the water willingly, given her profound aquaphobia. Compellingly, individuals aboard another vessel recalled hearing a woman’s cries for help around the time of Wood’s disappearance.
Amidst this web of conflicting evidence, sinister implications emerged, yet significant gaps remained in the puzzle. Only years later did the captain of the Splendour unveil a harrowing revelation.
46. Revisiting the Case
In 2011, Dennis Davern’s confession prompted the reopening of Natalie Wood’s case. His revelations not only unveiled the altercation between Wood and Wagner but also implicated Christopher Walken in a possible romantic context. This newfound information painted Wagner as the instigator, instructing the captain not to search the waters or seek aid when Natalie couldn’t be located on the yacht.
Suddenly, Wagner’s role transformed from a grieving widower to a potential culprit.
47. A Husband Under Scrutiny
As recently as 2018, Robert Wagner emerged as a person of interest in the investigation into Natalie Wood’s demise. He was undoubtedly the last person to see her alive, leading investigators to consider the possibility of foul play, including the chance of her suffering injuries prior to her fatal drowning. Wagner, however, staunchly denied any allegations.
In the narrative of Natalie Wood, her enigmatic passing wasn’t the sole sensation. The specter of scandal persisted, and in 2003, another hidden facet of her life was unveiled.
48. A Forbidden Love Affair
During Natalie Wood’s adolescence, around the age of 15 or 16, she became entangled in a clandestine liaison with a prominent figure significantly her senior. This figure was none other than Frank Sinatra. The forbidden nature of their relationship compelled them to keep it concealed. Yet, a lone witness to this inappropriate liaison was Sinatra’s personal valet.
49. A Youthful Encounter
Sinatra’s valet, George Jacobs, chronicled their relationship in a memoir titled “Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra,” shedding light on Sinatra’s disturbing involvement with Wood. It appeared that Sinatra had been captivated by Wood’s talent since her early years when she was only nine. Her performance in “Miracle on 34th Street” left a lasting impression on him, setting the stage for their future connection.
50. A Mother’s Role
Wood’s association with Sinatra was partly influenced by her ambitious mother. As Jacobs recounted, her mother played a role in pushing Wood toward Sinatra, setting the stage for their ill-fated connection. The description of a young and provocative Wood caught Sinatra’s attention, leading to a reprehensible entanglement that transcended innocent mentorship.
51. A Troubling Relationship
Initially benign, Wood’s interactions with Sinatra evolved into a more intimate dynamic. Their relationship progressed to private singing lessons, with Sinatra taking deliberate measures to ensure their seclusion. Sinatra’s inappropriate behavior was evident in his jest with his valet, indicating his intention to avoid any potential consequences.
Natalie Wood’s life was a tapestry woven with secrets and scars. Her journey from child prodigy to acclaimed actress serves as a cautionary tale, marked by intrigue and impropriety, a story that continues to captivate the fascination of admirers worldwide.
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