Natalie Wood was an American actress born on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California. She began her career as a child star in the 1940s and gained fame for her roles in films like Miracle on 34th Street and Rebel Without a Cause. Wood was known for her beauty and talent, earning three Academy Award nominations throughout her career. Wood's life was marked by both success and tragedy. She starred in popular musicals such as West Side Story and Gypsy, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Tragically, she died on November 29, 1981, under mysterious circumstances while on a boat with her husband, actor Robert Wagner.