Natalie Wood's Daughter Slams Death 'Lies'

More than four decades after Natalie Wood's death by drowning off the coast of California, her daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner has publicly addressed persistent "lies" and assumptions about the tragedy. Wagner, speaking to Vanity Fair, asserted that her mother was not a "tragic or doomed" figure but a powerful, strong woman in control of her life. Wood, who died at age 43 in November 1981, was on a yacht with her husband Robert Wagner, Christopher Walken, and the skipper when the incident occurred.

Wagner vehemently defended her stepfather, Robert Wagner, against speculation surrounding Wood's death, calling such assumptions "reckless and dangerous." She stated that her father would have done anything to protect Wood and expressed concern about his legacy being tarnished. Wagner shared that Robert, who legally adopted her after Wood's death, is proud of how she preserves her mother's memory. She also highlighted the strong bond within the family, forged partly by the public scrutiny.

Natasha Gregson Wagner now shares her mother's legacy with her own daughter, Clover, emphasizing the importance of that connection. Despite the sadness of Wood's early death, Wagner feels her mother had a wonderful life and remains "completely honored" to be her daughter. The family has found ways to keep Wood's memory alive, including through inherited jewelry with engraved stories.