Confronting the Past: Natalie Wood’s Daughter Seeks Answers from Robert Wagner

Natasha Gregson Wagner was merely 11 years old when her mother, the esteemed actress Natalie Wood, tragically drowned off Catalina Island.

Over the past 39 years, Gregson Wagner—a seasoned actress in her own right with notable roles in projects like High Fidelity and Two Girls and a Guy—has grappled not only with the profound trauma of losing her mother but also with the recurring interest in Wood's untimely death.

Suspicion has always lingered around her stepfather, the now 90-year-old Robert Wagner, who was present on the 55-foot yacht Splendour on the fateful night Wood drowned.

In the upcoming HBO documentary titled Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, set to premiere on May 5, Gregson Wagner embarks on a poignant journey by sitting down with her stepfather, who played a significant role in raising her, to delve into the events of that tragic night.

This heartfelt interview, captured within the comfort of her Los Angeles residence, forms just one part of a remarkable tribute to Wood's brief yet impactful life.

The documentary features a treasure trove of never-before-seen home videos, cherished family photographs, memorable film excerpts, and affectionate recollections shared by Gregson Wagner, her sister Courtney, her father Richard Gregson (Wood's second husband), renowned actors Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, and others.

Throughout the years, Gregson Wagner has been troubled by the fact that her mother is often remembered more for the circumstances of her death rather than her illustrious achievements in life.

Beyond Wood's three Oscar nominations for acclaimed films like Rebel Without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass, and Love With the Proper Stranger, she was a dedicated mother to Gregson Wagner and Courtney.

Wood was also a trailblazing star who wielded her influence to carefully select her roles and co-stars, including the then-unknown Robert Redford whom she championed for a role in Inside Daisy Clover back in 1965.

Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind paints a vivid picture of Wood as a resilient and nurturing parent who triumphed over a domineering mother and the pressures of early stardom through psychoanalysis, which she embraced wholeheartedly, crafting a fulfilling career and family life.

Despite the positive portrayal in the documentary, both Gregson Wagner, the producer, and director Laurent Bouzereau recognized the necessity of addressing Wood's tragic demise head-on to aid viewers in comprehending and, ideally, resolving the lingering questions surrounding it.

Acknowledging the pivotal nature of the conversation with Wagner, Gregson Wagner and Bouzereau prioritized filming this critical segment.

Bouzereau expressed to Vanity Fair that the success of the entire project hinged on the outcome of this crucial discussion with Wagner.

Gregson Wagner remains hopeful that this documentary will help dispel any unwarranted suspicions that have clouded her stepfather for decades, stating her desire to put an end to baseless rumors.

Recent revelations in the case and a surge in true-crime interest have reignited curiosity surrounding this unresolved Hollywood enigma, particularly in more recent times.

In 2011, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reopened its investigation into Wood's death based on claims by Splendour captain Dennis Davern, who alleged hearing arguments between Wood and Wagner on the night of her demise.

Subsequently, the coroner amended the cause of death to “drowning and other undetermined factors,” leading to the reclassification of Wood's death as “suspicious.”

Wagner was later designated as a person of interest by the L.A. County Sheriff's Department in 2018.

Natalie's sister, Lana Wood, regarded as a credible source by investigators, has persistently voiced her doubts about the accidental nature of Wood's death, urging Wagner to disclose the truth once and for all.

Within Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, Gregson Wagner engages her stepfather in recounting the events of the evening Wood fell off the yacht.

Wagner reflects on the final voyage he shared with Wood during Thanksgiving weekend of 1981, alongside Dennis Davern and Christopher Walken, Wood's co-star in the sci-fi film Brainstorm.

Despite extending invitations to Walken and Lana Wood to participate in the documentary, both declined.

While Lana has been vocal about her sister's demise, even participating in the podcast Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood, Walken has largely refrained from commenting on the incident.

Wagner recalls a dinner with Wood and Walken where discussions about Wood's career ensued, culminating in a heated exchange regarding her future in acting.

Wagner describes a moment of frustration, symbolized by breaking a wine bottle, before resolving the disagreement with Walken.

After Walken retired for the night, Wagner discovered Wood missing, prompting him to alert the coast guard after finding broken glass on the floor.