Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood (1938-1981)

Natalie Wood was in some of the most well known movies of all time. 'West Side Story' and 'Rebel Without a Cause' are both considered classics by many people. And Natalie Wood was in leading roles in both films.

Natalie Wood in 'Westside Story'. It is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, in a musical.



Natalie Wood with James Dean in 'Rebel Without a Cause'.

 Natalie Wood also had a small but important part in my favorite John Wayne movie, 'The Searchers'. The movie is about Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) search for his kidnapped niece, after his brother and the rest of the family was murdered by Indians. His niece Debbie is a little girl when she is kidnapped. By the time Ethan finds her she is an adult. Natalie Wood plays Debbie as a grown up.

Natalie Wood and John Wayne in 'The Searchers'

The 30th Anniversary of Natalie Wood's death is coming up later this month. She has made headlines again this past week because the Los Angeles police department is reopening the case of her mysterious death. She was on a boat with her husband Robert Wagner (No. 2 in the Austin Powers movies, among many other things) and friend Christopher Walken. Details are sketchy but she somehow ended up in the water and drowned.

Natalie Wood is buried in Pierce Bros. Westwood Memorial Park in downtown Los Angeles with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and many others. In visited her gravesite on October 1, 2011. Wood is one of many women buried in Westwood Memorial Park that died young and tragically. It is a sad coincidence. Others include Marilyn Monroe, Dominique Dunne, Dorthy Stratten, and Heather O' Rourke.

Natalie Wood's gravesite. Los Angeles, California