She was very beautiful. She was Russian after all, born Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko to Russian immigrant parents and she never liked the name Natalie Wood the RKO studio chose for her. Her wedding gown for her marriage to Richard Gregson, designed by Edith Head, was inspired by a costume worn by an 18th-century Russian princess, white and pale yellow silk and cotton jacquard fabric in a delicate antique pattern. She used to say she felt very Russian. Mysterious, graceful, classy, talented — being one of the very few actors who successfully made the transition from child star to adult actress. I loved her in Miracle On 34th Street
photos: 1-source unknown / 3,5-by William Claxton / 2-by Paul Shcutzer, 4-Warner Brothers, both via Vanity Fair
Happy Wednesday! I must admit, I didn’t know her, but I don’t know why. She is beautiful and so serene! xoxo
You know, I’ve known her for ages, mainly because her name was often mentioned in documentaries about actors and movies etc etc etc, but I’ve never seen any of her work, nor knew that she was Russian. What a wonderful discovery! Thank you for this post, darling. xxx
I had no idea that she was of Russian heritage. She’s very beautiful, she was my brother’s pin up.
I can’t believe I never knew she was russian! She was a true beauty. Unfortunately there’s still a mistery going on regarding her death 🙁
She was so incredibly beautiful + the last shot is one of my absolute favourites – a definite classic! xx
I never knew she was Russian! Learn something new every day on Classiq! 🙂 I love the shot of her on the boat, she looks so relaxed and beautiful!
I agree with Rachel, that last shot is amazing!x
She was so beautiful! They recently showed Miracle on 34th Street on TV.
I love the photo which you also shared on Facebook, it so beautiful.
I cannot believe I didn’t know she was Russian! She was incredibly beautiful. Loved her movies. They were such a big part of my childhood. Also I share a birthday with her. 🙂
Gorgeous photos, Ada. Thans for sharing. xoxo
And I like the fact that I share the same sign of the zodiac with her. 🙂
I love the last pic. Such beauty in one of the most magical places in this world!
love that image with steve mcqueen
This beautiful actress doesn’t ring a bell, I did not recognize her. I should see her work to get an impression, on these photos she looks mesmerizing.
I saw Splendour in the Grass when i was a teenager and cried my eyes out!
Love that last photo, such a striking picture.
I did not know about her Russian heritage. She was such a radiant beauty. I adored her performances in Miracle on 34th Street and Splendor in the Grass.
love her!!! she was one of the last REAL beauties and divas….
talk about elegance. i have always liked her and it’s no surprise the studio gave her an american name. i like natalia better 🙂
hope you’re having a great week!!
xoxo
You learn something new everyday… never would have guessed russian! Gosh she was a beauty though. I just watched The Great Race on tv and she looked gorgeous in those Edwardian costumes too. I love her in Splendour in the Grass (adore!) and of course Rebel without a Cause with Jimmy Dean! Both fabulous movies.
xx
I’m so glad you wrote about Natalie! She’s always been a favorite of mine, a true natural beauty and so classic–perfect for classiq!
xo Mary Jo
Simply wonderful! She looks great in the picture with Steve McQueen:) Classic style and beauty will probably not be equalled. Natalie Wood was surely an intense person who loved life and every aspect within its boundaries. Thanks for sharing these lovely immortalised moments!
ARCHIVE