Buzz has been a flutter over a past alleged situation concerning Natalie Wood, and Kirk Douglas. This claim has not been substantiated and has not been one hundred percent confirmed on either side publically. Obviously, since both parties are now deceased it is impossible to know the truth, but what we can do is understand each of their lives separately and hopefully gain some powerful insight on what made Natalie so striking, and Kirk so dynamic. The response to the recent passing of Douglas has old Hollywood fans facing a profound joint nostalgic mourning.
The man, the myth, and the legend. Kirk Douglas was one of the last relics of old hollywood](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kirk-douglas-dies-spartacus-670526) that the universe had left. That era was something that can never be replicated, and now with newer generations rising to the occasion it looks like soon the world might forget the impact of this special time. When it comes to the breakdown of Douglas and his iconic career he really was an American anomaly. His parents being immigrants and his struggles from persistently trying to get into movies and then dominating the industry is what cemented his legendary status.
When you compare how Kirk Douglas grew up and Natalie Woods life experience there are commonalities. Natalie’s parents were from Russia and she had a tough time going from being a beloved child in the industry to pushing for people to take her seriously as an adult actress. A memorable way she intelligently maneuvered this issue was by auditioning for a part in the critically acclaimed cult classic, “Rebel Without A Cause” alongside her childhood crush James Dean who sadly lost his life and had a similar treacherous familial situation.
While going through the traditional woes of adolescence Natalie was forced to be an actress by her mother, who ultimately in a similar fashion to Judy Garland’s mother became the blueprint for the overbearing “stage mother”. She was deprived of a childhood and found it hard to relate to “normal” people. All of the validation she ever got all derived from creating films. After taking many random breaks she decided to return to movies a few times but then chose her family as her main priority.
With strong public acknowledgment surrounding Natalie Wood and her legacy, there is a bigger question pressing not only the entertainment industry but all places of work. It is sad that for most actresses it is expected that you will face some sort of uncomfortable moment or sexual harassment. As people come out in a prideful manner on behalf of not only Wood and her life, there is also a resurgence to back up all women. Whether it be Sarah from work who looks visually shaken by her boss John, or Jenny who doesn’t feel secure enough to call out Eric for being too aggressive in his efforts to woe her. The unification of all people to stand up for those in compromising situations is spreading with a fierceness.