Natalie Wood began acting at the age of 4, appearing in a small role in the film “Happy Land.” From there her career blossomed and she had more than a dozen roles under belt by the time she was a teenager, leading to a future filled with many awards.
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After that she starred alongside many famous faces in her storied career, including Warren Beatty and James Dean. Her most notable performances include appearing in “Rebel Without a Cause” and the controversial sexually charged film “Splendor in the Grass.” Her talents were many, and in her role in “West Side Story” she proved herself to be a formidable dancer as well as singer.
Here are some highlights of Wood’s storied career:
First Starring Role
As a child, of course, Wood appeared in “Miracle on 34th Street,” questioning the existence of Santa Claus. This was her first starring role and one that propelled her into stardom.
Academy Awards
Wood was only 16 when she starred in “Rebel Without a Cause,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She would be nominated two more times in her career for Academy Awards.
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Emmy Awards
Wood earned Best TV Actress for “From Here to Eternity” (1980), a Henrietta Award and World Film Favorite- Female (1966). In 1955 she was awarded for Most Promising Newcomer - Female (1955). Additionally, Wood was nominated another five times, but did not win.
BAFTA Awards
The British Academy of Film and Television nominated Wood for Best Foreign Actress for her work in “Splendor in the Grass” (1963).
Grammy Award
The movie musical “West Side Story” earned Wood a Grammy Award nomination, along with her cast members in for Album of the Year in 1962. The soundtrack to the production was very popular and remains on shelves today.
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