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Image / Don Whiting, witnessed Natalie Wood at dinner

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Title
Don Whiting, witnessed Natalie Wood at dinner
Alternative Title
Los Angeles Herald Examiner Photo Collection
Creator
Ruebsamen, James
Date Created and/or Issued
1981
Contributing Institution
Los Angeles Public Library
Collection
Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection
Rights Information
Images available for reproduction and use. Please see the Ordering & Use page at http://tessa.lapl.org/OrderingUse.html for additional information.
Description
Title supplied by cataloger.
Natalie Wood (1938-1981) began her acting career at the age of four, becoming a successful star as a young adult, and receiving three Academy Award nominations before the age of 25. She starred in such films as "Miracle on 34th Street", "Rebel Without a Cause", "West Side Story", "Splendor in the Grass", "Gypsy" and "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" among many others, as well as starring in several television productions. She would go on to receive numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. Wood married actor Robert Wagner twice, and producer Richard Gregson. She had one daughter by each marriage. Natalie Wood died on November 29, 1981 near Santa Catalina Island at the age of 43 while on a weekend trip with husband Wagner, actor Christopher Walken and the boat's captain, Dennis Davern. Her death, though suspicious in nature, was ruled accidental by L.A. County coroner, Thomas Noguchi, even though his autopsy report states she had dozens of bruises on her body, including injuries to her face and arms. The case was reopened in late 2011, but no new evidence to contradict the original conclusion and cause of death was found. Natalie Wood is buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Photograph caption dated November 30, 1981 reads, "'They all seemed very happy.'" Note: Don Whiting, night manager of Don's Harbor Reef, told detectives that Natalie Wood, husband Robert Wagner and actor friend, Christopher Walken had been drinking in the bar before being seated for dinner, possibly consuming a couple of bottles of champagne.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;20 x 35 cm. on sheet 25 x 36 cm.
Photographic prints
Identifier
00096888
Herald Examiner Collection
HE box Wood, Natalie
CARL0005069994
http://173.196.26.125/cdm/ref/collection/photos/id/33611
Subject
Wood, Natalie--Death and burial
Men--California--Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island (Calif.)
Los Angeles Herald-Examiner photographs
Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
Portrait photographs
Time Period
1981-1990

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