How is Robert Wagner remembering Natalie Wood 44 years later? Actor reflects on love and family decades later

Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood... - Source: Getty
Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood... - Source: Getty

Robert Wagner is remembering Natalie Wood with love and nostalgia on the 44th anniversary of her tragic death.

On Saturday, November 29, the 95-year-old actor shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a black-and-white photo of the couple from the 1973 Academy Awards and reflecting on her lasting impact on their family. Robert Wagner wrote in his caption:

"Thinking of Nat today. Her warmth, beauty, and love remain with us through our children and grandchildren. Forever missed, forever cherished. More than love."

Robert Wagner married Natalie Wood in 1957, but got divorced in 1962. In 1972, they reconciled.

The couple shared daughters Courtney Brooke Wagner and Natasha Gregson Wagner, Natalie's child from her previous marriage, whom the actor adopted after her death.


Who was Natalie Wood? A glimpse into the late actress' life and career

Born on July 20, 1938, Natalie Wood was an award-winning American actress who began acting at the age of four. When she was 8, she appeared on the Christmas comedy-drama Miracle on 34th Street (1947).

Fast forward, when she turned teen, she starred in the famed Rebel Without a Cause (1955) with James Dean, as well as Splendor in the Grass (1961), and From Here to Eternity (1980). The late icon also headlined Gypsy (1963), Love With the Proper Stranger (1964), and Inside Daisy Clover (1966).

Tom Wargacki Archive - Source: Getty
Tom Wargacki Archive - Source: Getty

Wood passed away in 1981 after drowning during a boat trip. Her death rendered Robert Wagner unable to function, which he revealed in his memoir, I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses, in 2016.

"When Natalie died, I thought my life was over. Luckily, I had the help of a great many people who loved her and who loved me as well."

He continued:

"I thought I would never get up, you know? My children helped me heal. And my friends were so supportive. And slowly, I was able to get up. I got on my feet, but it was very, very difficult and a sad time."
Actress Natalie Wood - Source: Getty
Actress Natalie Wood - Source: Getty

Meanwhile, in a 2024 conversation with People, Natalie Wood's daughter, Natasha, reflected on the 43rd anniversary of her mother's death.

"It’s just unbelievable that there's a relevancy to her all these years later. And that people really feel that they knew her or that they feel this protectiveness toward her."

At the time of Wood's passing, Natasha was only 11 years old. Over forty years later, she finally got the courage to speak openly about the tragedy.

Natasha also co-produced the documentary, Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, in 2016. In her conversation with the outlet, she confessed:

"If someone had told me that I'd be doing this 10 years ago, I would've laughed because I so wanted to forge a path that was separate from my mom. But I think I surrendered to whatever the universe had in store for me."

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Edited by Gladys Altamarino