Natalie Wood Photographed By Phil Stern Rehearsing Her Final Monologue In “West Side Story,” Circa

Natalie Wood rehearses “the Sweetheart Tree,” on set of “the Great Race,” 1965.

man. what a gift to have been on this earth at the same time as stephen sondheim.

James Dean and Natalie Wood on the set of Rebel Without A Cause, 1955.

“Natalie was always in search for an older man to give her guidance in life... [Laurence] Olivier filled that role, and she adored and trusted him... Once, we all sailed to Long Beach, right past the Queen Mary... I have pictures of Olivier looking at the Queen Mary and crying. I asked, “Why are you crying?” and he said, “When Vivien Leigh came from England to meet me in Hollywood, she sailed on this boat. And this means so much to me.” Olivier said Natalie reminded him of a young Vivien, and Natalie, who had always been a big fan, asked a lot of questions about her.” as recalled by photographer and friend Michael Childers.

Excerpt from “Natalie Wood : Reflections on a Legendary Life”; Natalie Wood photographed by Ernst Haas in 1961; Vivien Leigh photographed in 1939.

Natalie Wood photographed holding a baby bird, 1962.

Natalie Wood photographed by Bill Ray for Life Magazine, 1963.

Natalie Wood prepares for the 34th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony, 1962. Allan Grant for Life Magazine.

Natalie Wood photographed by Ernst Haas at singing rehearsals for “West Side Story,” circa 1961.

“I worked at least twelve hours a day in rehearsals, lost weight, and my body was sore from the rigorous training. But when I was judged worthy of joining the professional dancers, I felt pretty proud.”

Natalie Wood photographed in dance rehearsals for “West Side Story,” 1961.

Natalie Wood and Robert Redford discuss a scene with director Sydney Pollack (not pictured), on set of “This Property is Condemned,” 1966.