Natalie Wood and Her Father

This rare photo, also by William Claxton, of Natalie with her father is a touching one. Contrary to the impression given in Lambert's book that Natalie's family was disjointed and its members at constant odds with one another, there's a lot more to be told. Lambert also suggests, based on a rumor, that this man, Nick Gurdin, is not Natalie's blood father. Natalie loved her parents dearly and accepted that no family is perfect. Natalie's immediate family was not dysfunctional. They experienced ups and downs and may have dealt with the same everyday problems many families deal with, but there was no animosity or lack of love on Natalie's part toward her mother and father, who she affectionately called "Mud" and "Fahd". Natalie, who grew up fast, always appreciated what her mother had done for her, and she adored her father, in spite of faults others may want to emphasize and/or exaggerate. Natalie did not grow up in a "living hell" -- she was a rather content child who worked like an adult while experiencing a normal upbringing (she attended public school). Her parents were not often Splendour guests, but that had nothing to do with a lack of Natalie's regard and love for them. Splendour was more RJ's world, and Natalie respected that much. RJ and Natalie grew up in completely different type worlds. If their individual upbringings and environments have anything to do with building character, Natalie's speaks volumes by comparison.