# Natalie Wood

> American actress (1938–1981)

**Wikidata**: [Q180919](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180919)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Wood)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/natalie-wood

## Summary
Natalie Wood was an American actress (1938–1981) renowned for her performances in film and television. She began her career as a child actor and became one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars, known for iconic roles in films like *Rebel Without a Cause* and *West Side Story*. Her work earned her multiple awards, including a Golden Globe, and a lasting legacy in American cinema.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Van Nuys High School (Los Angeles, California)
- **Known for**: Acting in film and television, with notable roles in *Rebel Without a Cause* (1955), *West Side Story* (1961), and *Splendor in the Grass* (1961)
- **Employer(s)**: Warner Bros. Entertainment
- **Field(s)**: Acting (film, television, theater)

## Contributions
Natalie Wood's career spanned nearly four decades, during which she contributed significantly to American cinema. Key works include:
- *Miracle on 34th Street* (1947) – One of her earliest roles as a child actor.
- *Rebel Without a Cause* (1955) – A defining performance alongside James Dean, cementing her status as a teenage icon.
- *West Side Story* (1961) – Her portrayal of Maria earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
- *Splendor in the Grass* (1961) – A dramatic role that showcased her versatility, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
- *Gypsy* (1962) – A musical film where she played Louise, further demonstrating her range.
- *Love with the Proper Stranger* (1963) – A romantic drama that highlighted her ability to portray complex characters.

## FAQs
**What awards did Natalie Wood win?**
Natalie Wood received a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress in 1948 and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama for *Splendor in the Grass* (1961). She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**Where was Natalie Wood educated?**
She attended Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles, California.

**What was Natalie Wood’s first major film role?**
Her breakthrough role was in *Miracle on 34th Street* (1947), where she played a young girl who believes in Santa Claus.

**When did Natalie Wood pass away?**
She died on November 28, 1981, under mysterious circumstances while on a boat trip near Catalina Island, California.

**What was Natalie Wood’s real name?**
She was born Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko (also spelled Zakharenko) but was professionally known as Natalie Wood.

## Why They Matter
Natalie Wood was a pioneering figure in Hollywood, transitioning from child star to leading lady with remarkable success. Her performances in the 1950s and 1960s helped define the era’s cinema, blending innocence with depth. She influenced generations of actors with her emotional range and on-screen presence. Her tragic death at age 43 cut short a career that had already left an indelible mark on film history.

## Notable For
- **Child Star**: One of Hollywood’s most successful child actors, debuting in *Miracle on 34th Street* (1947).
- **Golden Globe Wins**: Won for *Splendor in the Grass* (1961) and received the New Star of the Year award in 1948.
- **Iconic Roles**: Starred in *Rebel Without a Cause* (1955) and *West Side Story* (1961).
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Honored with a star for her contributions to film.
- **Cultural Impact**: A symbol of 1950s–60s Hollywood glamour and dramatic acting.
- **Tragic Legacy**: Her untimely death remains a subject of public fascination and mystery.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Natalie Wood was born Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California. She began acting as a child, landing her first major role in *Miracle on 34th Street* (1947), which established her as a promising young talent. Her early career included appearances in films like *The Ghost and Mrs. Muir* (1947) and *The Green Promise* (1949).

### Rise to Stardom
Wood’s transition from child actor to leading lady was marked by her role in *Rebel Without a Cause* (1955), where she played Judy, a troubled teenager opposite James Dean. The film became a cultural touchstone, and her performance earned widespread acclaim. She continued to build her reputation with roles in *The Searchers* (1956) and *Marjorie Morningstar* (1958).

### Peak Career and Acclaim
The 1960s were the height of Wood’s career. She starred in *West Side Story* (1961), a groundbreaking musical that remains one of her most famous works. That same year, she won a Golden Globe for *Splendor in the Grass*, solidifying her status as a dramatic actress. Other notable films from this period include *Gypsy* (1962) and *Love with the Proper Stranger* (1963).

### Later Career and Personal Life
In the 1970s, Wood took on more mature roles, including *Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice* (1969) and *The Candidate* (1972). She also appeared in television productions, showcasing her versatility. Her personal life, including her marriages to Robert Wagner and Richard Gregson, often drew media attention.

### Death and Legacy
Natalie Wood died on November 28, 1981, in a drowning incident off Catalina Island. The circumstances surrounding her death remain controversial. Despite her early passing, her contributions to film endure. She is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most talented and enduring stars, with a legacy that continues to influence actors and filmmakers.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress** (1948)
- **Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama** (*Splendor in the Grass*, 1961)
- **Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame**

### Affiliations and Employers
- **Warner Bros. Entertainment**: One of the major studios she worked with during her career.
- **Van Nuys High School**: Her alma mater in Los Angeles.

### Cultural Impact
Wood’s performances in *Rebel Without a Cause* and *West Side Story* helped define the teenage experience in mid-20th-century America. Her ability to portray both vulnerability and strength made her a relatable and enduring figure. Her tragic death has kept her in the public consciousness, ensuring her place in Hollywood history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Deutsche Synchronkartei
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Discogs
11. filmportal.de
12. FemBio database
13. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
14. Roglo
15. Croatian Encyclopedia
16. Munzinger Personen
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. CONOR.SI
19. Autoritats UB
20. BBC Things
21. The Movie Database
22. LIBRIS. 2004
23. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
24. [Natalie Wood MBTI Personality Type: INFP or INFJ?](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/35432/natalie-wood-people-of-classic-hollywood-mbti-personality-type)