Birth year and key biographical anchor
Natalie Wood was born in 1938. She was born on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California, making 1938 the definitive answer to the question of her birth year. This birth year anchors her timeline in Hollywood history, situating her childhood career and later adult roles within the mid-20th century film industry. For research and citation purposes, this fact is supported by studio biographies, authoritative biographies, and reputable archival records.
Early life and entry into film
Childhood and debut context
Wood began working in films as a child actor in the late 1940s. Her birth year of 1938 means she was a small child during World War II and entered pictures in the years immediately following the war, a period when casting often looked for children who could appear youthful but photogenic. She signed as a teenager with major studios, which was common for promising minors in that era.
- 1938: Birth year (July 20, San Francisco, California)
- 1940s: Early child modeling and commercial work
- 1946: First credited screen appearance in a feature film
- 1950s: Transition to leading roles and major studio contracts
Why the birth year matters in film history
Knowing that Wood was born in 1938 helps contextualize her roles, her studio trajectory, and the cultural backdrop of her career. Being born in the late 1930s positioned her as a postwar child star who matured onscreen during the 1950s and 1960s, aligning her peak visibility with the golden age of Hollywood studio systems. It also aids in differentiating her from other actors with similar names or early-career images in databases and archives.
How to verify biographical data like birth year
Reliable confirmation of birth year relies on primary and authoritative secondary sources. For public figures, studios often documented minors’ legal birth dates in contract files, while studios’ press departments issued standardized biographies. Researchers typically cross-reference studio records with census data, vital records, and published biographies vetted by academic or institutional reviewers.
Authoritative source patterns for birth facts
To confirm a birth year for a historical performer, look for material such as studio personnel files, published biographies with extensive archival notes, museum or foundation records, and peer-reviewed references. These sources prioritize evidence such as original documents over anecdotal recall, reducing errors in timelines.
Documented career milestones tied to 1938
Placing Wood’s birth year in context clarifies how her career unfolded. A 1938 birth year aligns with her teenage contract years in the early 1950s, her landmark films in the middle of the decade, and her shift toward more dramatic work in the late 1950s and 1960s. It also helps researchers map her collaborations and legal working documents under child labor and entertainment regulations of the time.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth year | 1938 | Studio biography, legal documents |
| Birth date | July 20, 1938 | Vital records, biographies |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, USA | Biographical records, studio archives |
| First credited film | 1946 | Studio release records |
| Major career period | 1950s–1960s | Filmography, studio contracts |
Common misconceptions and clarifications
Occasionally, informal lists or older websites may cite incorrect decades for Wood’s birth. Discrepancies often arise from transcribing errors or confusion with another performer. Cross-checking with primary studio documents and verified biographies resolves these conflicts and consistently supports 1938 as the birth year.
Using this information in research and citations
When referencing Wood’s birth year, cite archival studio materials, reputable biographies, or authoritative databases that include provenance notes. Academic and journalistic standards favor sources that document their evidence, making it easier for readers to verify the claim independently and reducing the risk of propagating outdated or incorrect data.