I have often thought that the tragic death of Natalie Wood has been compounded by the fact that her brilliant work is often overshadowed by the circumstances of her passing.
It was lovely to watch this well made biography.
When I was a small girl while playing at the Tea Gardens in LA, I got involved playing with a new friend and got separated from my family. Being the early 70's, there was a more casual...'look for your sister'....approach to the situation. By the time my parents found me they had begun to be a bit more worried, but were surprised and starstruck, more than relieved. I was having lunch with my new friend, her parents and little sister. My new friend turned out to be Katie Wagner and the family that found an extra child in there mist was Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner.
As sometimes happens when a story gets retold and re-remembered through the years (as well as a naturally strong memory), and I recall things from the encounter that would normally be forgotten.
What I have always remembered the most, even almost 50 years later, was Ms. Wood's laughter and warm, easy grace while soothing a less pleased Mr. Wagner, "Let's have some lunch; her parents will find us." His quick chuckle and acceptance eased any fear that I had. The feeling of this Hollywood royalty couple enjoying a laid back, 'normal' outing echoed in Ms. Gregson Wagner's words on her mother and Mr. Wagner's desires for their family. Through the years, I have read and watched many biographies and always came away dissatisfied. It always felt that a vital piece was missing. I now know, it was a big piece of her humanity.
Perhaps that piece could only be done by her daughter, the little sister that I ate lunch with on a warm, sunny LA day.
Thank you, Ms. Gregson Wagner for sharing your mother's story. May her laughter and love always vibrate in your heart.
It was lovely to watch this well made biography.
When I was a small girl while playing at the Tea Gardens in LA, I got involved playing with a new friend and got separated from my family. Being the early 70's, there was a more casual...'look for your sister'....approach to the situation. By the time my parents found me they had begun to be a bit more worried, but were surprised and starstruck, more than relieved. I was having lunch with my new friend, her parents and little sister. My new friend turned out to be Katie Wagner and the family that found an extra child in there mist was Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner.
As sometimes happens when a story gets retold and re-remembered through the years (as well as a naturally strong memory), and I recall things from the encounter that would normally be forgotten.
What I have always remembered the most, even almost 50 years later, was Ms. Wood's laughter and warm, easy grace while soothing a less pleased Mr. Wagner, "Let's have some lunch; her parents will find us." His quick chuckle and acceptance eased any fear that I had. The feeling of this Hollywood royalty couple enjoying a laid back, 'normal' outing echoed in Ms. Gregson Wagner's words on her mother and Mr. Wagner's desires for their family. Through the years, I have read and watched many biographies and always came away dissatisfied. It always felt that a vital piece was missing. I now know, it was a big piece of her humanity.
Perhaps that piece could only be done by her daughter, the little sister that I ate lunch with on a warm, sunny LA day.
Thank you, Ms. Gregson Wagner for sharing your mother's story. May her laughter and love always vibrate in your heart.