Natalie Wood summary

Early Life and Stardom

In Natalie Wood by Suzanne Finstad, we are introduced to the early life of the Hollywood star. Born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko to Russian immigrant parents, Natalie's childhood was marked by her mother's relentless pursuit of stardom for her daughter. Maria, Natalie's mother, was determined to make her daughter a star, and she did so by pushing her into acting at a very young age.

Natalie's career began at the tender age of four, and by the time she was a teenager, she had already starred in several successful films. Her breakthrough role came in the 1947 Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street. Natalie's talent and beauty made her a sought-after actress, and she quickly rose to stardom.

Personal Life and Relationships

Despite her professional success, Natalie's personal life was tumultuous. She was married for the first time at the age of 18 to fellow actor Robert Wagner. Their marriage was marked by intense passion and equally intense fights, leading to a divorce in 1962. However, the couple remarried in 1972, only to face another tragedy.

In 1981, Natalie drowned under mysterious circumstances while on a boat trip with Wagner and actor Christopher Walken. Her death was initially ruled an accident, but questions and suspicions lingered. Finstad's book delves into the events leading up to Natalie's death, exploring the dynamics of her relationships with Wagner and Walken and the circumstances surrounding that fateful night.

Challenges and Triumphs

Throughout her life, Natalie faced numerous challenges, including the pressures of stardom, a controlling mother, and two failed marriages. Despite these difficulties, she continued to excel in her career, earning three Academy Award nominations and starring in iconic films such as Rebel Without a Cause and West Side Story.

However, Natalie's success did not shield her from personal struggles. She battled with self-doubt, insecurity, and a fear of water that stemmed from a near-drowning incident during the filming of The Green Promise. These inner demons haunted her throughout her life and may have played a role in her tragic end.

Unanswered Questions and Legacy

As Natalie Wood draws to a close, we are left with unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding her death. Finstad presents various theories, including the possibility of foul play, but ultimately leaves the truth open to interpretation.

Despite the unresolved nature of her death, Natalie Wood's legacy endures. She is remembered as a talented actress, a timeless beauty, and a tragic figure whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Finstad's biography provides a comprehensive look at Natalie's life, shedding light on the woman behind the Hollywood icon.