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.
Little Lamb
Natalie Wood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My birthday is here at last
Little lamb, little lamb
My birthday goes by so fast
Little bear, little bear
You sit on my right, right there
Little hen, little hen
Little cat, little cat
Oh, why do you look so blue?
Did somebody paint you like that
Or is your birthday too?
Little fish, little fish
Do you think I'll get my wish?
Little lamb, little lamb
I wonder how old I am
I wonder how old I am
Little lamb
Natalie Wood's song "Little Lamb" is a sweet and reflective piece that captures the innocence of childhood and the bittersweet experience of growing up. The song evokes a child's birthday party, with various animal friends joining in the celebration. Natalie asks the little lamb how old she is, indicating a sense of wonder and excitement about growing older. However, she also expresses a wistful longing for time to slow down: her birthday goes by too fast. The lyrics suggest that, while Natalie eagerly anticipates growing up and experiencing new things, she also cherishes her childhood and the magical moments it provides. The second verse highlights the importance of friendship and play, as Natalie asks her animal friends what games they should play and when. The third verse is particularly poignant as she addresses the little cat, asking if it is feeling blue because of an unfulfilled birthday wish. The final lines of the song return to the central question of age and identity, as Natalie wonders once again how old she is and bids her little lamb goodbye.
Wood's vocal performance is gentle and heartfelt, perfectly capturing the delicate emotions of the lyrics. The instrumentation is similarly understated, dominated by a simple acoustic guitar melody that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. "Little Lamb" is a beautiful reflection on the joys and sorrows of childhood, capturing a universal experience with its universal message.
Line by Line Meaning
Little lamb, little lamb
The singer is addressing a little lamb, possibly a toy or pet, twice for emphasis.
My birthday is here at last
The singer is celebrating their birthday and expressing excitement that the day has finally arrived.
Little lamb, little lamb
The singer addresses the lamb again, this time possibly for comfort as they lament how quickly their birthday will pass.
My birthday goes by so fast
Despite the anticipation for their birthday, the artist realizes how quickly time flies and acknowledges that the day will pass quickly.
Little bear, little bear
The artist is now addressing a little bear, possibly another toy or pet, and notes their presence on their right.
You sit on my right, right there
The singer is drawing attention to the bear's placement and making an observation about their surroundings.
Little hen, little hen
The singer now addresses a little hen, possibly another toy or pet, and inquires about playing a game with them.
What game should we play and when?
The artist is showing an interest in engaging in play with the hen and is seeking suggestions for what and when to play.
Little cat, little cat
The artist addresses another animal, this time a cat, and expresses concern for its well-being.
Oh, why do you look so blue?
The artist observes that the cat appears sad and is questioning why.
Did somebody paint you like that
The singer is using figurative language to ask if someone intentionally made the cat sad or if it happened naturally.
Or is your birthday too?
The artist offers another possibility for the cat's sadness, suggesting that it is upset because it was also its birthday but not celebrated as it had hoped.
Little fish, little fish
The singer addresses a fish, possibly a toy or pet, and is seeking its opinion on a matter.
Do you think I'll get my wish?
The singer is sharing their birthday wish with the fish and is asking if they think it will come true.
Little lamb, little lamb
The singer returns their attention to the little lamb and wonders how old they are.
I wonder how old I am
The artist is questioning their own age and expressing curiosity.
I wonder how old I am
The artist repeats their question, further emphasizing their curiosity.
Little lamb
The singer ends the song by addressing the little lamb one final time.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULE STYNE, STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind