At 94, ‘Handsome' Robert Wagner Celebrates Eldest Daughter Whom He Raised Alone Years After His Ex Passed Away

Jun 05, 2023

Veteran actor Robert Wagner formed a blended family with his late ex-wife Natalie Wood, and even after her unfortunate passing, he stood by his daughters and raised them. Many years later, the movie star proved to be a proud dad as he took to Instagram on May 11, 2023, to celebrate his oldest child, Natasha Gregson, on her birthday.   

Wagner and the late Wood started their love life in the 50s as one of Hollywood's It couples. They had met in 1956 when their mutual pals set them up on a date. The couple's first introduction was more of a publicity stunt, but they fell for each other. Wagner and Wood became and wife the following year, as they tied the knot in Scottsdale, Ariz. The movie stars were married from 1957 to 1962 before going their separate ways.

Wood married British producer Richard Gregson seven years later, in 1969, and they welcomed their daughter, Natasha Gregson. Wagner also moved on with his love life, marrying Marion Marshall one year after his divorce from Wood. They also became parents to a daughter named Kate. 

However, Wagner's love story with Wood was far from over, even as they led separate lives. By 1970, he ended his marriage with Marshall while Wood was six months pregnant with her daughter. At that time, she was also experiencing marital issues with Richard. Wagner and Wood ultimately reconnected in 1970 when they attended an event separately and alone. The former lovers got talking again, and by 1971, Wood ended her marriage with Richard. 

With time, Robert Wagner and Wood reignited their romance, and on July 16, 1972, they tied the knot a second time. The couple welcomed a daughter, Courtney, in 1974, and with time, they joined their blended family. Unfortunately, the Wagner-Wood family was dealt a devastating blow in 1981 when Wood tragically passed away. 

The circumstances surrounding her death made the dire situation even more morbid. The actress died at 43 after drowning in the waters off Catalina Island. Hours before her death, Natalie Wood was aboard the Splendour, her 60-ft Yacht, which she shared with Wagner.

Several speculations surrounded her demise, and in 2012, the cause of death was listed as "drowning and other undetermined factors." The world mourned Wood's painful death, but it was her spouse, Wagner's cross to bear. He was left with three daughters, and while he dealt with the deep-seated pain of losing his vibrant wife, Wagner stepped up his role as a father. He raised Courtney, Kate, and Natasha, with Richard Gregson in the picture. 

In a 2016 interview with People, a grown Natasha opened up about life after her mom's death and how her dads played both mom and dad roles. She recalled the earth-shattering moment Wagner broke the news of her mom's death. The actress shared:

"It was just the unthinkable. I just remember it was the worst thing ever. My whole world just went to black and white, and I couldn't hear anything."

She made it known that her father and stepdad tried to pick up the pieces to help her and her siblings move forward. The "Two Girls and A Guy" actress stated that she felt lucky to have two fathers.

Natasha stated that after her mom died, her relationship with Wagner became more profound, and she felt it would not have been so if Wood had been alive. She also opened up on how Wood's death affected her stepfather. She revealed that Wagner was "a happy-go-lucky person and kind of life of the party before the actress's passion." She added:

"After she died, when I would look at him from a distance, from my bedroom window, walking into the house, there was a heaviness and a sadness to him that hadn't been there before."

During the interview, Natasha made it known that her beloved stepfather was in a much better place due to the family therapy they had to process the tragic event. While speaking with People in the same year, Wagner also confirmed that his bond with Wood's daughter was "very, very intense." He added that they "hung on to each other through the years, and she means the world and all to me."

After his wife's demise, Wagner revealed that he and Richard deliberated on how to move on. Finally, they reached a consensus that Natasha should be raised with her siblings. Speaking on how he helped his daughter navigate the loss, he noted that he took it moment by moment. It is safe to say that Wagner helped his daughters move, and the family celebrates milestones together these days. 

For Natasha's 52nd birthday, the proud father took to Instagram to share images of them while asking fans to join him in celebrating her. Besides the birthday post, Wagner, 94, honors his life as a parent by flaunting his daughters on social media. People have praised him for looking so "wonderful" and "handsome" in another Instagram post as well, and even called him the "classiest man alive."

Isn't it admirable that Robert Wagner was able to pick up the pieces for his daughters after Natalie Wood's demise? Do you know anyone trying to move on after a painful loss? Let us know, and be sure to share this piece to inspire others.