Natalie Wood’s Most Stunning Photos Through the Years—From Young Child Star to Hollywood Icon
See rare photos of Natalie Wood from her child star days to her reign as a Hollywood legend
Natalie Wood was a Hollywood starlet before she could even spell Hollywood, and she’s been adored by the public ever since. The actress, who began her acting career at age four, was one of movies’ most beloved stars, stealing hearts with roles like Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Judy in 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause and Maria in West Side Story.
Although she had a short-lived career due to her untimely death at age 43 in 1981, she left her mark on the world and on the entertainment industry. With three Academy Award nominations, three Golden Globe wins and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she will forever be remembered for her stunning beauty, grace and incredible acting skills. See some incredible photos of Natalie Wood as a young actress.
Natalie Wood is ready for her closeup
At about age 7, Natalie Wood had already been in the entertainment industry for three years, but it was around this time that she would book her breakout role as Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street. Wood portrayed the smart but cynical young girl who didn’t believe in Santa Claus. Above, you can see her posing for a publicity portrait in 1945, just at the beginning of her incredible career.
Actresses sticking together
A young Natalie Wood, who was very new to the entertainment industry at the time, is seen with French actress Claudette Colbert. The photo, of Colbert with her arm around Wood, was taken in 1946 during production of Tomorrow is Forever.
A dress fitting
Considering the amazing actress she was, it’s sometimes hard to remember that Natalie Wood was a child star. The photo above shows her at about age 8 being fitted for a dress that would serve as a model for dresses being sent to Russian orphans.
Natalie Wood meal prepping
Natalie Wood is seen preparing breakfast in the above photo in 1953, at around age 15. The Hollywood starlet is in full glam as she poses for a photo in her kitchen.
Hollywood glamour
A 17-year-old Natalie Wood is seen posing at an event in Los Angeles, dressed in full Hollywood glam. The actress is smiling in the photo, which was taken in 1955, likely at a movie premiere. She has on flashy jewelry, a stunning gown and a fur shawl draped over her shoulders.
Pool party
Natalie Wood is seen above at a pool party she threw in 1955. The 17-year-old actress is dressed in full old Hollywood style, as usual, a bathing suit and a cover-up as she sits and looks off at something.
‘Rebel Without a Cause’
Natalie Wood and James Dean are seen in the above behind-the-scenes photo from their film, Rebel Without a Cause. The picture was taken in 1955, when Wood was 17 and Dean was 24. She allegedly had a significant crush on Dean before their meeting for the film, but given their age gap, Dean merely saw her as a good friend. In the photo, Dean has his arm around his co-star while he signs an autograph on a denim jacket.
Natalie Wood and Elvis
Did you know the Hollywood star dated Elvis Presley for a brief period? The iconic duo were an item for a short time in 1956, and although there aren’t many photos of the two, the pairing was a memorable one. Wood, who is 18 in the above photo, and Elvis, who is 21, met up in Elvis’ hometown, where they were photographed together.
The pair were introduced by a mutual friend, actor Dennis Hopper, in 1956. The relationship didn’t last long, with it allegedly ending after Presley’s mother met Wood and didn’t like the actress.
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