Natalie Wood was married to actor Robert Wagner at the time of her death on November 29, 1981. They had married for the second time on July 16, 1972, following an earlier marriage from 1957 to 1962. By 1981, the couple were again together and legally married, having reconciled months before her accidental drowning near Santa Catalina Island. In official records and contemporary reports, Wagner is listed as her surviving spouse.
Background on Natalie Wood's marital history
Wood's public life and press coverage often referenced her marriages, which framed parts of her personal narrative. Understanding when and to whom she was married clarifies why Wagner was named next of kin and how her marital status factored into official reports and estate matters.
First marriage to Robert Wagner (1957–1962)
Wood's first wedding to Wagner occurred while she was a major child star. That marriage ended in divorce in 1962, but they remained publicly linked due to their high profiles and shared roles.
Relationship and remarriage in 1972
They reconnected in the late 1960s and married again in 1972. The second marriage continued through much of the 1970s, including periods of public reconciliation and private challenges.
Circumstances at the time of her death
In late November 1981, Wood joined Wagner and a small party aboard Wagner's yacht for a weekend trip near Santa Catalina Island. During the evening, she disappeared from the yacht and was later found in the water nearby. Investigators and news accounts at the time and in subsequent reports list her legal spouse as Robert Wagner, confirming marital status at death.
Verified details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name of husband at death | Robert Wagner | Official records and news reports |
| Marriage status on date of death | Legally married (since July 16, 1972) | Marriage records and biographies |
| Next of kin listed | Robert Wagner | Death certificate and funeral records |
| Year of death | 1981 | Public death certificate and coroner reports |
| Location at death | Near Santa Catalina Island, California | Investigative and news accounts |
Why marital status matters in this case
Because Wood died suddenly under unusual circumstances, her legal marital status became relevant for official documentation, next-of-kin procedures, and subsequent investigations. Wagner's role as husband affected how information was released and how her estate and personal affairs were handled in the immediate aftermath.
Common questions and clarifications
Some sources conflate her earlier marriage timeline or imply other partners were involved at the time of her death. Verified records consistently show that Wagner was both her spouse and the person acknowledged as such by authorities and family representatives in 1981.