Natalie Wood’s Daughter Confronts Robert Wagner About Her Mother’s Mysterious Death

The mystery surrounding actress Natalie Wood’s death in 1981 continues to haunt many. While the full picture may never be clear, her daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner is determined to honor her legacy through a new HBO documentary, “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind.”

The film, premiering May 5th, dives into Natalie’s remarkable Hollywood career. Natasha also confronts the night her mother vanished from their family yacht. Tragically, 43-year-old Natalie was found dead in the water on November 29th, 1981.

In the documentary, Natasha seeks answers from her stepfather, Robert Wagner, who was with Natalie that fateful night. Robert recounts their dinner with co-star Christopher Walken, a heated argument about Natalie’s work, and her retreat below deck. When Robert went to join her later, both Natalie and the yacht’s dinghy were missing.

“There was no sound,” Robert tells Natasha, both choked with emotion. He describes the gut-wrenching moment he learned of Natalie’s body being found.

While initial reports ruled it an accident, the case was reopened in 2011, reclassifying her death as “drowning and other undetermined factors.” In 2018, Robert even became a “person of interest” in the investigation.

Despite the lingering questions, Natasha expresses her unwavering support for Robert throughout their conversation.

For years, a shroud of silence surrounded Natalie Wood’s death. But Natasha Gregson Wagner felt it was time to break free. “We were told to ignore it, not speak of it,” she says. However, she knew her mother deeply. “If Mom was ever in trouble,” Natasha declares, “he [Robert] would’ve done anything for her.”

Robert, visibly moved by Natasha’s words, simply confirms, “It’s true.” He knows she trusts him.

Reflecting on the emotional interview, Natasha sheds light on her motivation. “It wasn’t some dramatic revelation,” she explains to Vanity Fair. “We’ve had these talks before, but on camera.” Her aim was to create a safe space for Robert to “unfold” and share his truth.

Natasha confirms they’ve had similar conversations before. “I’m glad we did it,” she says about the documentary. It was emotionally draining, “exhausting,” she admits. But there was a sense of catharsis too. “We felt a strange euphoria,” she explains “because we faced this difficult thing together.” By bringing the truth to light, they felt empowered. “It wasn’t a burden anymore,” she concludes. They had laid it bare, and that, in a way, was freeing.