Stunning Throwback Pics Of '50s & '60s Icon Natalie Wood

The Golden Age of Hollywood saw the rise of icons who'd not only characterize entertainment of the early to mid 20th century, but continue to impact pop culture as a whole for decades to come. After all, there are many Old Hollywood glamor secrets we still use today. One of the biggest stars of the Golden Age was Natalie Wood. Wood is perhaps best known for her roles in classic films from the '40s, '50s, and '60s, including "Rebel Without a Cause," "Splendor in the Grass," and "West Side Story." The actor got her start in the entertainment industry as a child star; her breakout role came at just 8 years old as Susie Walker in the 1947 holiday film "Miracle on 34th Street." It speaks to Wood's talent that her (albeit iconic) roles as a child actor aren't what people first think of when discussing her career. 

In addition to her immense talent on-screen, for which she received three Golden Globe Awards and three Oscar nominations, Wood is also considered a beauty icon. Similar to other Hollywood stars at the time, like Marilyn Monroe, whose most iconic outfits meant more than you know, Wood lived a very glamorous life. But the actor tragically passed away in 1981 in a drowning accident off the coast of Catalina Island in California. This mysterious event has characterized much of the conversation about the actor ever since. However, we're celebrating Wood's life and career by looking back at some of her greatest photos from the Golden Age.

Just one year after starring in iconic musical film "West Side Story," Natalie Wood took on another lead role in a movie musical: "Gypsy." Wood portrayed famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee in the 1962 film. In one promotional image for the film, Wood posed in one of her "Gypsy" costumes — a long yellow dress with matching gloves and shawl. The actor wore her hair in a beehive, one hairstyle from the '60s that made a recent comeback, which was the perfect look for a glamorous burlesque dancer.

A few months before "West Side Story" was released in 1961, Natalie Wood was photographed by renowned photojournalist Ernst Haas. In the series of images, Wood was dressed in a more mature manner with a black turtleneck sweater, printed pants made visible in a few shots, and a pendant necklace. The star wore little makeup, and her hair was curled upwards into a flip. Wood was one of the most versatile stars of her day, and her many photoshoots prove that she looked amazing whether relaxed or uber-glamorous.

By the time Natalie Wood turned 18 in 1956, she'd already appeared in almost 20 films (including the 1955 hit "Rebel Without A Cause," for which she received a Best Actress nomination at the Oscars). In one portrait of a teenaged Wood from the late '50s, the young star can be seen dressed casually in a button-up blouse and trousers. Wood wore her hair in a flip — which would be her go-to style in the early '60s, not to mention one of the most popular hairdos of the era.

Natalie Wood co-starred in the 1960 romance film "All the Fine Young Cannibals" alongside husband Robert Wagner, whom she married for the first time in 1957. For one of the film's promotional photos, Wood was pictured against an otherworldly pink backdrop in a matching pale pink gown and flowing cape. The star wore a Marilyn Monroe-esque red lip which, when combined with her carefully curled bob, made her resemble the other actor quite a bit. 

Natalie Wood was often photographed poolside, so it makes sense that the actor had some pretty fabulous swimwear. In one picture dated 1965, Wood can be seen lounging poolside on a white woven chair. Ever the style icon, Wood donned a blue and white chevron printed bikini with a matching scarf, which she paired with white heeled mules and wide white-framed sunglasses. The star's signature dark hair was on display through the scarf, showing off her thick (very '60s) bangs. 

Even though she was already an accomplished actor in 1955, Natalie Wood was still a teenager. Wood posed for a series of portraits in her family's Sherman Oaks home; in one image from the set, Wood posed alongside a stuffed toy monkey and her pet parakeet named Gregory Peckwood (a clever play on Academy Award-winning actor Gregory Peck). Wood looked sleek and modern in a dark two-piece outfit, including a sleeveless mock-neck top, high-waisted trousers, and simple slip-on shoes.