Natalie Wood is an iconic American actress whose career began in childhood and left a lasting mark on Hollywood. Understanding how old is natalie wood requires looking at both her birth date and the timeline of her most memorable work.
Her public story is shaped by legal records, biographies, and ongoing media interest, making it helpful to organize key details clearly for readers.
| Key Fact | Details | Source Type | Relevance to Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Natalie Wood | Official Biography | Identification baseline |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1938 | Public Vital Records | Base for age calculations |
| Date of Death | November 29, 1981 | Coroner Report | End of her lifespan |
| Age at Death | 43 years old | Historical Documentation | Direct answer to how old is natalie wood at death |
| Primary Era | 1940s–1981 | Filmography Records | Career span context |
Early Life and Childhood Career
Natalie Wood was born on July 20, 1938, which makes her 3 years old when World War II ended and already an experienced child performer by the late 1940s. Starting in film at age 6, she quickly became known as a talented young actress in Hollywood.
Her early roles took advantage of her expressive performances, setting the stage for a career that would be closely watched. Fans asking how old is natalie wood during her peak years are often surprised by how mature she appeared on screen as a teenager.
Breakthrough Roles in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Natalie Wood starred in films such as "Miriam" and "Rebel Without a Cause," which showcased her range and emotional depth. These projects defined her status as a serious dramatic talent and clarified her age relative to her co-stars.
By the time she turned 20, she had already built a catalog of influential work that critics continue to reference when discussing how old is natalie wood in terms of cultural impact rather than just years.
Personal Life and Public Narrative
The narrative around how old is natalie wood often includes references to her marriages, struggles with fame, and highly publicized legal events. These personal milestones intersect with her career timeline and shape public perception of her life stages.
Understanding these events helps contextualize her age not only in chronological terms but also in relation to the roles she chose and the challenges she faced as a public figure.
Death and Historical Record
Natalie Wood died on November 29, 1981, at the age of 43, cutting short a career that had spanned several decades. Official records confirm her birth and death dates, making it straightforward to answer how old is natalie wood at the time of her passing.
This period of her life remains heavily documented, with biographies and investigations reinforcing the timeline that defines her public legacy.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Despite her death in 1981, Natalie Wood's influence persists through classic films and continued scholarly interest. Examining her career allows audiences to appreciate how her age and experiences shaped the stories she told.
Modern viewers still reference her work when exploring themes of youth, ambition, and vulnerability in mid-20th century cinema.
Key Takeaways on Natalie Wood's Age and Career
- Born July 20, 1938, she was 43 at the time of her death in 1981.
- Began acting as a child and was a teenager during her most famous 1950s films.
- Her age influenced the dramatic roles she was cast in during her teens and twenties.
- Understanding her birth date helps clarify references to how old is natalie wood in historical discussions.
- Public interest in her age reflects ongoing fascination with her career and personal narrative.
- Documented timelines support accurate reporting about her life and legacy.
FAQ
Reader questions
How old was Natalie Wood when she filmed "Rebel Without a Cause"?
She was 15 years old during the production of "Rebel Without a Cause" in 1955, which became one of her most iconic performances.
How old was Natalie Wood when she won her first major award recognition?
She received significant award attention in her late teens, around age 17 to 19, for standout roles in the mid-1950s.
How old was Natalie Wood at the time of her death in 1981?
She was 43 years old when she died on November 29, 1981, ending a career that began in early childhood.
How does Natalie Wood's age compare to her co-stars from the 1950s?
She was often younger than her leading men but older than many child actors, which helped her secure complex dramatic roles early in her career.