Natalie Wood’s Daughter Challenges the 'Tragic' Narrative Surrounding Her Mother's Death: She 'Was in Control of Her Life'

Natasha Gregson Wagner is pushing back against the public narrative surrounding her mother, Natalie Wood, more than four decades after the actress drowned off California's Santa Catalina Island at age 43.

"She had an open heart and was a humanitarian," Natasha said in an interview. "You felt her heart when you watched her. She was very much in control of her life."

Wagner, who was 11 when Wood died in November 1981, also defended her stepfather, Robert Wagner, against speculation surrounding the actress' death.

The actor was previously named a person of interest in the investigation but was later cleared of involvement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Natasha noted that how this woman died often overshadowed her life's achievements.

"She was extremely powerful as a businesswoman, as a wife, a mother, a friend," Natasha said. "She ran the show. And she was strong, really, really strong."

The starlet's daughter feels that people's focus on her final moments gives a false idea of who she really was.

"So I think maybe the misconception [is] that she was tragic or doomed. … I didn't experience that with her," she added.

The Rebel Without a Cause star was aboard a 60-foot yacht near Santa Catalina Island when the incident occurred.

Natalie had been traveling with her husband, Robert, her costar Christopher Walken and the vessel's longtime skipper, Dennis Davern.

Her drowning has remained a mystery for decades, and people have repeatedly questioned Robert’s involvement, even though the police cleared him.

Natasha worried that the accusations against her stepfather would permanently affect him, especially in his old age.

"I know that my dad would've done anything to protect my mom, and I think it's reckless and dangerous when people make up lies or assumptions, and they become the truth that's passed around," she said. "My dad is 96 and a half years old, and I don't want his legacy to be tarnished with these mistruths or untruths."

Robert legally adopted Natasha following Natalie's death. Her biological father was the late film producer Richard Gregson.

Beyond clearing up the allegations, Natasha noted that Robert honors Natalie's memory by passing down her belongings and their special stories.

"My dad is so proud of the way that I take care of my mom's legacy," Natasha said. "He gave us gifts he had given to her, pieces of jewelry, and he would tell us why he bought the piece or where he bought it, and he engraved them."

She was also frustrated by the gap between how her family experienced Robert and the public accusations against him.

"It's just so absurd that somebody as kind and generous and loving as my stepdad has been maligned this way," she added.