Natalie Wood | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 08, 2025

Who is Natalie Wood?

Natalie Wood, born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California, was a celebrated actress known for her captivating performances in classic films. The daughter of Russian immigrants, she started her acting career at a young age, landing her first role in the 1943 film Happy Land when she was just four years old. Wood gained widespread fame as a teenager with her roles in iconic films such as Miracle on 34th Street and Rebel Without a Cause, where her portrayal of a troubled youth earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Her versatility continued to shine in the 1961 musical West Side Story and the critically acclaimed drama Splendor in the Grass, further establishing her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. Despite her success, Wood faced significant personal challenges, including a turbulent love life and struggles with mental health, notably experiencing a suicide attempt in 1966. After a turbulent marriage to actor Robert Wagner, their relationship was reignited and led to her tragic death in November 1981 during a boating trip, leaving behind a legacy that incites intrigue and controversy to this day. Wood's contributions to film were celebrated during her time and continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Early Life and Education

Natalie Wood, born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California, was the daughter of Russian immigrants. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she was introduced to the world of performing arts at an early age. Her mother, Maria, enrolled her in ballet classes, nurturing Natalie’s talents and encouraging her to pursue a career in acting. By the age of four, Wood had already landed her first film role in the 1943 feature "Happy Land", thanks to her mother's persuasiveness with the director Irving Pichel. This early introduction to the film industry set the stage for her illustrious career.

Wood's childhood was marked by her relentless ambition and a mix of familial support and pressure. As a child star, she appeared in several films, building her resume and developing her craft. In 1947, she secured her first major role in the classic holiday film "Miracle on 34th Street", a performance that resonated deeply with audiences and solidified her status as a rising star. Her early success was a combination of her natural talent and the extensive training she received, which included ballet and acting lessons tailored to hone her skills for the silver screen. This foundation would carry her through her tumultuous but illustrious career in Hollywood.

Career Start: Wood's Rise to Fame

Natalie Wood began her journey in the film industry at an early age, showcasing her talent and charm in her first role at just four years old in the film "Happy Land" (1943). The daughter of Russian immigrants, she was nurtured in the arts by her mother, who enrolled her in ballet classes. As a young actress, Wood quickly gained attention for her ability to evoke deep emotions, notably in her heartfelt performance as an orphan in "Tomorrow Is Forever" (1946). Her captivating presence continued to shine, leading to her iconic role in the classic holiday film "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947), which established her as a beloved star.

By the time she reached her teenage years, Natalie Wood had secured her status as a Hollywood starlet with her standout performance in "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), where she shared the screen with James Dean. The film tackled heavy themes of teenage angst and rebellion, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of a young girl caught in the complexities of adolescence earned her an Academy Award nomination, highlighting her prowess as an actress. Wood continued to impress with her versatility as she demonstrated her singing and dancing talents in "West Side Story" (1961), cementing her reputation as one of the era's leading actresses.

Notable Successes: Awards and Achievements

Natalie Wood was a celebrated actress whose career spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood. She gained prominence at a young age and achieved notable successes as a leading lady in classic films. Her performance in "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), where she starred alongside James Dean, earned her an Academy Award nomination. This film became a cultural touchstone that reflected the teenage angst of the 1950s. Additionally, her role as Maria in the iconic musical "West Side Story" (1961) showcased her versatility and cemented her status as one of the top actresses of her time.

Wood's talent extended beyond just acting; she was also nominated for Academy Awards for her performances in "Splendor in the Grass" (1961) and garnered critical acclaim throughout her career. Acknowledged for her ability to portray complex emotional states, Wood's performances were marked by a unique vulnerability. In addition to her film accolades, she received several Golden Globe Awards, showcasing her popularity within the industry. Her legacy is further highlighted by retrospective celebrations of her work, reminding fans and filmmakers alike of her undeniable contributions to the film industry.

Later Career and Projects

After taking a hiatus from acting in the mid-1960s due to personal struggles, Natalie Wood made a triumphant return to the screen in 1969 with the comedy Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. This film marked a rejuvenation of her career and showcased her versatility as an actress. Wood continued to take on significant roles, notably in the 1976 television production of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, where she received acclaim for her performance. She also appeared in the miniseries From Here to Eternity, further solidifying her status as a talented and respected actress within Hollywood.

In 1981, Wood starred in her final film, Brainstorm, a science-fiction thriller alongside Christopher Walken. This role was particularly poignant due to the unsettling circumstances surrounding her untimely death shortly after the film's production. Throughout her career, Wood wasn't just recognized for her beauty; her performances in acclaimed films such as West Side Story and Splendor in the Grass demonstrated her ability to portray complex, emotionally rich characters. Her legacy continues to resonate, as she remains a significant figure in cinematic history.

Personal Life: Marriage and Family

Natalie Wood's personal life was as dramatic and captivating as her film career. At the tender age of 18, she married actor Robert Wagner in 1957, which quickly garnered significant attention from the media and public alike. The couple was seen as a glamorous pair in Hollywood, frequently featured in fan magazines. However, their initial marriage was not meant to last, and they separated in 1962. During this time, Wood had various high-profile relationships, including a notable affair with Warren Beatty. The pressures of fame, along with her tumultuous love life, created considerable challenges for the young actress.

After a brief marriage to Richard Gregson, with whom she had a daughter, Natasha, Wood reunited with Wagner in 1972, ultimately remarrying him. Together, they had another daughter, Courtney, born in 1974. In this second chapter of their relationship, Wood focused more on family life, taking a step back from her acting career. Despite the volatility that characterized their earlier years, this time brought a semblance of stability, and they remained married until her tragic passing in 1981. Wood's commitment to her family, particularly her daughters, highlighted a more vulnerable side of the star, contrasting with her glamorous public persona.

Net Worth and Earning: Career Earnings

Natalie Wood, a prominent actress of her time, had a career that spanned several decades, contributing significantly to her overall net worth. Rising to fame at the young age of 16 with her role in "Rebel Without a Cause," Wood quickly became one of Hollywood's leading ladies. With standout performances in classical films like "West Side Story" and "Splendor in the Grass," she commanded substantial salaries for her roles. At the height of her career in the late 1960s and 1970s, it was reported that Wood earned an estimated $1 million per film, a considerable figure for actresses at the time.

Throughout her illustrious career, Natalie Wood's earnings extended beyond acting salaries. She was also involved in producing and was known to have lucrative deals with studios. Although her exact net worth at the time of her death in 1981 is difficult to determine, estimates suggest it was around $10 million, factoring in her earnings from films, endorsements, and investments. Wood's financial legacy continued to grow posthumously, as her films remain popular and her contributions to cinema are regularly celebrated, enhancing her estate's value over the years.