Wood began acting in movies at the age of four and became a successful child actor in such films as Miracle on 34th Street (1947). A well received performance opposite James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and helped her to make the transition from a child performer. She then starred in the musicals West Side Story (1961) and Gypsy (1962). She also received Academy Award for Best Actress nominations for her performances in Splendor in the Grass (1961) and Love with the Proper Stranger (1963).
Her career continued successfully with films such as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969). After this she took a break from acting and had two children, appearing in only two theatrical films during the 1970s. She was married to actor Robert Wagner twice, and to producer Richard Gregson. She had one daughter by each: Natasha Gregson and Courtney Wagner. Her younger sister, Lana Wood, is also an actress. Wood starred in several television productions, including a remake of the film From Here to Eternity (1979) for which she won a Golden Globe Award.
Wood drowned near Santa Catalina Island, California at age 43. She had not yet completed her final film, the science fiction drama Brainstorm (1983) with Christopher Walken, which was released posthumously.
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Natalie Wood was yachting with her husband and a friend, when she disappeared.
- Comments by Lana Wood and the captain of the yacht "Splendor" have caused LA police to reopen the case.
- Wood's sister Lana is interested in "the truth coming out," but no new implications have yet been made.
US police reportedly are to re-open an investigation into the death of screen legend Natalie Wood, the "West Side Story" star who died in mysterious circumstances while yachting in 1981.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) on Thursday said new information had come to light over the death, which was deemed an accident at the time but which has long fueled speculation.
Wood drowned aged 43 while boating off of Catalina Island, near Los Angeles on November 29, 1981. Her death was investigated by the LASD and the LA County Coroner's Office, who ruled it was an accident.
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"Recently, Sheriff's Homicide Investigators were contacted by persons who stated they had additional information about the Natalie Wood Wagner drowning," said an LASD statement.
In response, the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau "has decided to take another look at the case," it added.
Wood -- born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko to Russian emigre parents in San Francisco -- enjoyed a glittering Hollywood career, and is best known for classic movies including "West Side Story," and, "Rebel Without a Cause."
Wood and husband Robert Wagner -- whom she had married for a second time in 1972 -- were spending the Thanksgiving weekend on their yacht the "Splendour," with actor friend Christopher Walken as their guest.
They had eaten at a dockside restaurant before returning to the boat to drink, when a heated row erupted between Wagner and Walken.
Wood left to go to the master cabin, and eventually the two men calmed down -- but when Wagner returned to the cabin she was not there. She was believed to have come up on deck to tie a loose dinghy.
She was later found drowned about a mile away from the yacht. Police reports said she was wearing a long nightgown, socks and a down jacket, and had multiple bruises on her body and arms, and an abrasion on her left cheek.
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"I have gone over it so many millions of times with people. Nobody heard anything," said Wagner, quoted by the LA Times.
Last year the actress' sister Lana Wood and the captain of the yacht, Dennis Davern, asked the sheriff's office to re-open the case, although it was not clear if Thursday's announcement was in response to that.
Lana Wood told CNN last year that she believes a fierce argument between her sister and husband on the yacht's back deck preceded Wood's drowning, but said she does not suspect foul play.
"I just want the truth to come out, the real story," she said, according to the broadcaster.
LA County Sheriff Lee Baca told the newspaper that that homicide detectives want to talk to the captain based on comments he had made recounting the case on its 30th anniversary.
Let Me Entertain You
Natalie Wood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, look at the headline!
Historical news is being made
Extra! Extra!
They're drawing a red line
Around the biggest scoop of the decade
A barrel of charm
A fabulous thrill
Presenting
In person
That three foot three bundle of dynamite
Baby June!
Hello everybody!
My name's June
What's yours?
Let me entertain you
Let me make you smile
Let me do a few tricks
Some old and then some new tricks
I'm very versatile
And if you're real good
I'll make you feel good
I want your spirits to climb
So, let me entertain you (woo!)
And we'll have a real good time
Yes, sir!
We'll have a real good time
The lyrics of the song "Let Me Entertain You" by Natalie Wood have a clear theme of showmanship, entertainment, and captivating the audience with charisma and skill. The song begins with the announcement of historical news and a red line being drawn around a major scoop of the decade to build anticipation and excitement. Then comes the introduction of Baby June, a three-foot-three-inch bundle of dynamite, presenting herself in person to entertain the audience.
Baby June then takes center stage and introduces herself to the crowd, offering to entertain them and make them smile. She promises to perform a variety of tricks, both old and new, showcasing her versatility and skill. She assures the audience that if they are real good and show appreciation, she will make them feel good as well. The song concludes with Baby June urging the audience to let her entertain them and have a truly enjoyable experience.
The lyrics of "Let Me Entertain You" celebrate the importance of entertainment and showmanship, and emphasize the performer's desire to please the crowd and create a joyful experience for all. The song is upbeat, catchy, and full of energy, fully embodying the spirit of show business and vaudeville.
Line by Line Meaning
Extra! Extra!
Attention everyone, important news is happening
Hey, look at the headline!
Please pay attention to this important news
Historical news is being made
This news is momentous and significant
They're drawing a red line
This news is so important it's being highlighted
Around the biggest scoop of the decade
This news is the most significant event of the last 10 years
A barrel of charm
I am a charming and delightful person
A fabulous thrill
I am exciting and entertaining
The biggest little headline in vaudeville
I am a small person who is making a big impression in show business
Presenting
Introducing to you
In person
Here with you in the flesh
That three foot three bundle of dynamite
I am a small but explosive performer
Baby June!
This is my stage name, and I am here to entertain you
Hello everybody!
Greetings to all of you
My name's June
I am the performer known as Baby June
What's yours?
May I know your name as well?
Let me entertain you
Allow me to provide you with a delightful performance
Let me make you smile
I want to bring joy to your face
Let me do a few tricks
I will perform some impressive feats
Some old and then some new tricks
I have a repertoire of classic and innovative performances
I'm very versatile
I am capable of a variety of different types of performances
And if you're real good
If you are an appreciative audience
I'll make you feel good
I will provide you with uplifting entertainment
I want your spirits to climb
My goal is to lift your mood and attitude
So, let me entertain you (woo!)
I am eager to provide you with delightful entertainment
And we'll have a real good time
It is my hope that we will both enjoy this experience
Yes, sir!
I am enthusiastic and eager to perform for you
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex Carratu
Natalie was such an angelic-looking woman and so talented and had a beautiful smile 😍.
Meghan Evans
Iconic!
EagleRockers
This is the most beautiful I've ever seen Natalie.
Chris Wolff
You should see her in Love with the Proper Stranger, The Great Race, This Property is Condemned & Bob + Carol + Ted + Alice.
EagleRockers
@Chris Wolff I've seen all of her films, some more than once. When I was a kid, I was on the set of The Great Race at Warner Bros. I'll never forget that.
Chris Wolff
@EagleRockers How wild was it on that set?
EagleRockers
@Chris Wolff I was there during their lunch break. They were filming the Bering Straight scene, so there was fake ice bergs and snow everywhere. I didn't get to see Natalie (very disappointed) but I did get to see Jack Lemon in his costume and make-up. We had to leave before filming started again.
Susan B
@Chris Wolff I think she was prettiest in Love with the proper stranger and with Steve McQueen too.
Grace Lara
She was beautiful a dark haired beauty!!!
Sharon Van Ert
My opinion Natalie Wood what is the best Gypsy Rose Lee