One of the most beautiful and talented actresses Hollywood has ever seen, Natalie came from a Russian immigrant family. She was plucked for stardom at an early age and her ability was immense - she had three Oscar nominations before the age of 24. Films Natalie starred in include Rebel Without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass and Westside Story. She married fellow actor Robert Wagner twice and also was married for a brief time to a producer called Richard Gregson. She had two daughters. She died by drowning while making Brainstorm at the age of 43. She was on a boat with Christopher Walken, Robert Wagner and the Captain when she disappeared one night and was found in the morning face down in the water. Hollywood was shocked at such a sudden end to such a blazing talent. The circumstances surrounding her death have been much speculated. Wagner admitted that he had a fight with her before she drowned but denied further wrong doing. The Captain of the boat blamed Wagner but a second inquest in 2010 a different conclusion of the first inquest - the situation was changed from 'Accidental Drowning' to 'Drowning and other undetermined factors'. We shall never know the truth as the coroner was ordered to be silent on the case. Hollywood lost a little bit of magic the day Natalie Wood died and feverish speculation about that cause of death is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
