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Pieces of My Heart: A Life

by Robert J. Wagner, Scott Eyman

3.36 · rating details · 314 ratings · 100 reviews

In this moving memoir, Robert J. Wagner opens his heart to share the romances, the drama, and the humor of an incredible life

...more

In this moving memoir, Robert J. Wagner opens his heart to share the romances, the drama, and the humor of an incredible life

He grew up in Bel Air next door to a golf course that changed his life. As a young boy, he saw a foursome playing one morning featuring none other than Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Randolph Scott, and Cary Grant. Seeing these giants of the silver screen awed him and fueled his dreams of becoming a movie star. Battling a revolving door of boarding schools and a father who wanted him to forget Hollywood and join the family business, sixteen-year-old Wagner started like any naive kid would--walking along Sunset Boulevard, hoping that a producer or director would notice him.

Under the mentorship of stars like Spencer Tracy, he would become a salaried actor in Hollywood's studio system among other hot actors of the moment such as his friends Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis. Working with studio mogul Darryl Zanuck, Wagner began to appear in a number of films alongside the most beautiful starlets--but his first love was Barbara Stanwyck, an actress twice his age. As his career blossomed, and after he separated from Stanwyck, he met the woman who would change his life forever, Natalie Wood. They fell instantly and deeply in love and stayed together until the stress of their careers--hers marching upward, his inexplicably deflating--drove them to divorce.

Trying to forget the pain, he made more movies and spent his time in Europe with the likes of Steve McQueen, Sophia Loren, Peter Sellers, Laurence Olivier, David Niven, Liz Taylor, and Joan Collins. He would meet and marry the beautiful former model and actress Marion Marshall. Together they had a daughter and made their way back to America, where he found himself at the beginning of a new era in Hollywood--the blossoming of television. Lew Wasserman and later Aaron Spelling would work with Wagner as he produced and starred in some of the most successful programs in history.

Despite his newfound success, his marriage to Marion fell apart. He looked no further than Natalie Wood, for whom he still pined. To the world's surprise, they fell in love all over again, this time more deeply and with maturity. As she settled into a domestic life, raising their own daughter, Courtney, as well as their children from previous marriages, Wagner became the sole provider, reaping the riches of television success. Their life together was cut tragically short, though, when Wood died after falling from their yacht.

For the first time, Wagner writes about that tremendously painful time. After a serious bout with depression, he finally resurfaced and eventually married Jill St. John, who helped keep his family and his fractured heart together.

With color photographs and never-before-told stories, this is a quintessentially American story of one of the great sons of Hollywood.

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Hardcover, 326 pages

Published October 1st 2008 by HarperEntertainment

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Oct 15, 2008

Sarah Cler rated it

I really give this 3.5 stars.

I have a special place in my heart for Robert Wagner. I grew up watching "Hart to Hart," and then became a gigantic Natalie Wood fan when I was a teenager. Naturally, then, I had to buy his memoir as soon as it came out.

I've always thought that I'd love to sit down and have lunch with Robert Wagner; I suppose that's part of his appeal. Writing is not his strong suit - it's almost distractingly evident when his ghostwriter jumped...moreI really give this 3.5 stars.

I have a special place in my heart for Robert Wagner. I grew up watching "Hart to Hart," and then became a gigantic Natalie Wood fan when I was a teenager. Naturally, then, I had to buy his memoir as soon as it came out.

I've always thought that I'd love to sit down and have lunch with Robert Wagner; I suppose that's part of his appeal. Writing is not his strong suit - it's almost distractingly evident when his ghostwriter jumped in and doctored paragraphs and sentences - but he has had a life so fascinating that it doesn't need fancy writing to spruce it up. This is a quick read, which I suppose is a good thing since some of these autobiographies can delve into boring and painstaking detail. However, sometimes I wanted to know more. He throws out little 2-paragraph anecdotes here and there, such as when he was picked up hitchhiking in Hollywood by Errol Flynn, caddied for Clark Gable at the Bel Air Country Club, and was seduced by Joan Crawford.

That said, Wagner has known and been close friends with some Hollywood giants, and I like how he has entire chapters devoted to Fred Astaire, Barbara Stanwyck, and Natalie Wood. His account of his 3-year affair with Barbara Stanwyck (scandalous at the time because of their 20-year age difference) is surprisingly touching: clearly this was a woman he was deeply in love with, and someone he was also in complete awe of. I love that Wagner is a gentleman: he recounts each of his four marriages (two to Natalie Wood) with complete respect and admiration for said wife. One of Wagner's interesting character traits is his reverence for strong, smart and career-minded women. Each of his wives could hold her own, and each was a smart business person.

The recurring theme throughout his life's story is Natalie Wood. Her memory and the omnipresent role she played in his life clearly haunts him to this day, and represents the greatest tragedy in his life thus far. As he describes it, he lost the love of his life not once, but twice: when their first marriage fell apart, and again when she died in 1981. It is somehow satisfying to hear Wagner's firsthand account of what exactly took place the weekend she died, though nothing explosive is divulged; what happened was simply a silly, dreadful accident.

What is missing from the book is enough writing proficiency to draw an emotional reaction from the reader. I've read an embarrassing number of biographies and autobiographies about classic Hollywood stars, and several have moved me to tears because their lives were often so tragic and dramatic that when told by a skillful writer they can incite a strong emotional response. That said, I had so much fun reading this - and I still want to sit down and have lunch with Robert Wagner. (less)

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Nov 20, 2008

Betty rated it

Recommends it for: fans of autobiography, Hollywood history, acting, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood

Shelves: autobiography-biography, non-fiction, favorites

Pieces Of My Heart: a Life by Robert J. Wagner with Scott Eyman

The autobiography of a well-grounded man who never lost his awe of life or the movies. He also was humble enough to allow friends to help him in his darkest hours. A man whose gentility reminds one of an earlier time. This is the story of "Pieces of My Heart: a Life" told by Robert J. Wagner. The story is candidly told with no Hollywood excess overpowering the theme. That is not to say there is nothing Holly...morePieces Of My Heart: a Life by Robert J. Wagner with Scott Eyman

The autobiography of a well-grounded man who never lost his awe of life or the movies. He also was humble enough to allow friends to help him in his darkest hours. A man whose gentility reminds one of an earlier time. This is the story of "Pieces of My Heart: a Life" told by Robert J. Wagner. The story is candidly told with no Hollywood excess overpowering the theme. That is not to say there is nothing Hollywood about the book, how could there not be? In fact, there are a lot of interesting insights into a number of legendary actors. What R.J., as he was known, relives in this book is very much a living history of movie acting from the 1950s to the present. Many of his best friends through the years were from the earlier days, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Spencer Tracy... He has the determination, the talent, the luck and the willingness to work hard, and even more, puts the movie rather than himself first; ego has no place in his agenda. His work ethic is admirable and his goal is to "always make it fresh."

He was fortunate to have grown up in California and as a boy worked at the Bel-Aire Stables. On his breaks he was able to watch the golfers at the Bel-Aire Country Club, where his father was a member. This is where he first saw some of his greatest movie heroes.

This is a deeply personal story, and he bares his all for us, and, I personally think, for his children. This is the first time he bares his soul in his memories and details of his two marriages to Natalie Wood. This book is full of love for friends, personal relationships, his children, and the profession he has chosen. This story is told not by a star but by a real person. I think he says it all when he writes "I think my ability to sustain a long career has been at least partially a result of my ability to sustain long relationships, sometimes through succeeding generations." I highly recommend this book, not just for movie enthusiasts, but for the joyous embracement of life, and the sharing of his sorrows and overcoming them.(less)

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Sep 21, 2011

Zil rated it

What a life-this man lived it through and through. I admired his determination and saavy in terms of connecting with the Hollywood insiders, most of who drove the American film industry to the top of international pop culture in the 20th century.
I admired his devotion and love for Natalie Wood. What a story!
I did not care, however, for his ongoing tales of playing around with so many women. To me, this became redundant, inappropriate and uncomfortable. I mean, are these women around a...more

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Apr 07, 2011

Marilou rated it

I found the book very interesting if you are into the hollywood life...not just Robert Wagner's life but all the old silver screen stars.
He grew up in Bel Air next door to a golf course that changed his life. As a young boy, he saw a foursome playing one morning featuring none other than Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Randolph Scott, and Cary Grant. Seeing these giants of the s...moreIn this moving memoir, Robert J. Wagner opens his heart to share the romances, the drama, and the humor of an i...moreI found the book very interesting if you are into the hollywood life...not just Robert Wagner's life but all the old silver screen stars.
He grew up in Bel Air next door to a golf course that changed his life. As a young boy, he saw a foursome playing one morning featuring none other than Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Randolph Scott, and Cary Grant. Seeing these giants of the s...moreIn this moving memoir, Robert J. Wagner opens his heart to share the romances, the drama, and the humor of an incredible life

Under the mentorship of stars like Spencer Tracy, he would become a salaried actor in Hollywood's studio system among other hot actors of the moment such as his friends Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis. Working with studio mogul Darryl Zanuck, Wagner began to appear in a number of films alongside the most beautiful starlets--but his first love was Barbara Stanwyck, an actress twice his age. As his career blossomed, and after he separated from Stanwyck, he met the woman who would change his life forever, Natalie Wood. They fell instantly and deeply in love and stayed together until the stress of their careers--hers marching upward, his inexplicably deflating--drove them to divorce.

Trying to forget the pain, he made more movies and spent his time in Europe with the likes of Steve McQueen, Sophia Loren, Peter Sellers, Laurence Olivier, David Niven, Liz Taylor, and Joan Collins. He would meet and marry the beautiful former model and actress Marion Marshall. Together they had a daughter and made their way back to America, where he found himself at the beginning of a new era in Hollywood--the blossoming of television. Lew Wasserman and later Aaron Spelling would work with Wagner as he produced and starred in some of the most successful programs in history.

Despite his newfound success, his marriage to Marion fell apart. He looked no further than Natalie Wood, for whom he still pined. To the world's surprise, they fell in love all over again, this time more deeply and with maturity. As she settled into a domestic life, raising their own daughter, Courtney, as well as their children from previous marriages, Wagner became the sole provider, reaping the riches of television success. Their life together was cut tragically short, though, when Wood died after falling from their yacht.

For the first time, Wagner writes about that tremendously painful time. After a serious bout with depression, he finally resurfaced and eventually married Jill St. John, who helped keep his family and his fractured heart together.
(less)

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Jun 16, 2009

Julie rated it

I enjoyed this book. Old Hollywood and old actors - the greats - filled Mr. Wagner's life. Interesting stories - and again, made me wonder where people who do not have our faith get their moral compass. Mr. Wagner's moral compass - though somewhat different from mine - is one of decency in the world he lives in, loyalty, honesty, hard work and he knows how to live in a real world of family and friends, nature and the beauty of the earth and appreciates and values it, and at the same time loves...more

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Sep 08, 2009

Cheriejean rated it

Shelves: biography

I have always liked Robert Wagner . First and formost he played JONATHON HART, of the TV series, Hart to Hart. This was my favorite TV series of all time. Jonathon was so handsome, so sophisticated, so rich. And he treated his wife Jennifer like she was a queen made of gold! What a husband he would make! Also, in real life, Robert Wagner was married to Natalie Wood, and I have always loved Natalie Wood. They were such a stunning couple. Alas, after reading Wagner's memoirs,I learned so...more

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Apr 25, 2009

Linda rated it

I've always like Robert Wagner. But I was thoroughly disappointed in this book. I kept wondering if this was a typical "Scott Eyman" book, as he's been a co-writer of countless celebrity autobiographies. This book was a true gossip-fest, but not in a good way. I really wasn't interested in every single woman he boinked - and there were many. And I also wasn't interested in the sexual proclivities of other movie stars or RJ's opinion on whether someone was gay or bi. His descripti...more

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Dec 20, 2008

Stephanie rated it

Guilty Pleasure time! What I REALLY wanted to know was about Catalina, of course. All the years of "WTF?" and sort of imagining Christopher Walken standing on the yacht saying "More Cowbell!" as poor Natalie drowned. Or maybe RJ got so pissed at her and CW that he offed her, OMG I have totally been reading too much trash.

Anyway, interesting stuff if you like guilty pleasures involving actors. But RJW with Barbara Stanwyck? EEEWWW. Plus I remember her as such a bit...more

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Aug 24, 2011

Kathleen rated it

Shelves: complete-waste-of-time

I checked this out of the library, thank goodness, because if I'd spent money on it I'd be kicking myself. I have always liked Robert Wagner, yet this book dispelled any illusions I had about him. I found him petty, egotistical and kind of smarmy. Left a bad taste in my mouth and I resented the loss of time I'd spent reading it. In some ways, given that a so-called Hollywood icon wrote the book, I guess I deserved what I got. However, I have read other books about Hollywood actors, iconic and ...more

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Mar 10, 2009

Amy rated it

Shelves: biography

I learned a lot about Robert Wagner from this book.

For example, did you know that he will be 80 in 2010? His closest friends were often those older than him -- David Niven, Spencer Tracy, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis and "Larry" Olivier!

I discovered more about his relationships, especially with Natalie Wood and her family.

The only thing missing was an index. I would have loved to turn to the index, find what I was looking for and th...more

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Mar 02, 2010

Daniella Wold rated it

I've always liked Robert Wagner and was curious about his life. I had no idea he had been in the movies for so long! I first knew of him on Hart to Hart and loved that show as a kid. He always seemed like a gentleman and after reading this book, I still think he is a class act. It was nice to read about his genuine passion for the movies and entertainment business and he seemed to stay well grounded despite his fortune and success. I was surprised that he was close friends with some hugely ...more

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Oct 14, 2009

Jane rated it

Recommends it for: anyone who is interested in Hollywood and actors

This was a really interesting bio of a really interesting man. RJ has had a lot of changes to cope with in his life, but he has mostly met them head-on and tried to grow from them. I found the book sincerely written and his editor/friend was a great asset to the telling of the story. RJ's love for his lost wife, Natalie Wood, is always apparent and his explanation of the tragic accident that took her life is open and believable. I admire his devotion to his children and his many friends and t...more

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May 17, 2009

Heather rated it

Ok, this seems like a trashy read, and it sort of was, but also a sweet tribute to the many people who positively influenced R.J. Wagner's life. I grew up watching Hart to Hart, so especially appreciated this book, and I don't know if those without previous knowledge of R.J. Wagner's work and life would find the book entertaining. I also vividly remember Samantha Smith's death at a young age, and I appreciated that he wrote of it and how it influenced his life. It's interesting to read of the...more

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Nov 21, 2009

Kristine rated it

I have always liked Robert Wagner as an actor, but reading his autobiography gave me a glimpse into him as a man, husband and father. This book opened my eyes just to how long he has been involved in show business in films, stage and tv. I didn't realize he had been married to Natalie Wood twice, with another marriage in between. The most heartwrenching part of the book was the telling of how Natalie died unexpectedly off the shore of Catalina Island. Robert is now happily married to Jill St...more

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Dec 13, 2011

Petrina rated it

· review of another edition

Robert Wagner is probably one of the last "Old Hollywood", who still has tales of Barbara Stanwyck, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly etc. His tales of the high glamour were tempered with hints about what was going on in the background. He would have great tales to tell as a dinner guest. On some occasions he came across as egotistical but is also aware of the remarkable life he has led and is quite humble. His reminisces of Natalie Wood are touching and this book is a good mirror piece to the ...more

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Nov 14, 2008

Lee Anne rated it

Shelves: borrowed-not-bought

I got this for free. It's pretty close to what you want from a celeb memoir--plenty of juicy stories about other famous people--who's a jerk (Lesley Ann Down), who the author slept with (Joan Crawford, Barbara Stanwyck, Yvonne De Carlo), etc. He didn't really shed any light on Natalie Wood's death, other than to say he and Christopher Walken were arguing about acting and one's commitment level to it, and much wine had been consumed. I don't think Walken and Wood were having an affair, and I d...more

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Aug 09, 2009

Karen rated it

This will not go down in history as one of the best Hollywood autobiographies, but it's fine. The cheesy title sets expectations low and there is some fun to be had of the "and then I slept with" variety. The biggest surprise to me were the close relationships Wagner had with some genuine Hollywood legends of an earlier generation. He loved and respected Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis and, most intimately, Barbara Stanwyck -- and the feelings seemed mutual.

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Oct 04, 2009

kabukigal rated it

I had heard that this was a very good read and it did not disappoint. Wagner must be one of the most well liked men in the Hollywood of not so long ago, as he knew practically everyone in Hollywood and was fond of most of them. He openly addresses some very dark times in his life, sometimes wears his heart on his sleeve and is reticent about criticizing his fellow thespians, but when he does, you get the feeling they deserve it in spades. I was sorry when the book ended!

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Jan 03, 2009

Kay rated it

Shelves: non-fiction, autobiography

I grew up on Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood movies and felt their love story was one for all times so I couldn't wait to get this book. I was a little disappointed at first, because I felt like Wagner started out as a shallow young man [and I guess most do!], but in telling about his marriages and death of Natalie you could feel the love he had for her. It also gave a lot of personal insight to many of the stars of Hollywood during the 50's-90's.

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Oct 18, 2008

John rated it

Though I found it a little conceited at first, I warmed up to this memoir. I had a hard time getting over all the name-dropping, but I realized that he really did know a lot of the Hollywood Elite and it was a way for him to remember his life, have it on paper, and for us to visit. His voice is definitely warm in this book, and it's easy to get caught up in the stories he tells. It was funny and, at times, profoundly touching - his overwhelming love of Natalie was very moving. It's a great s...more

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Mar 27, 2009

Diane C. rated it

I enjoyed this candid, honest yet gracious book and can see why Robert Wagner is so well liked in Hollywood and everywhere else.

A great tale of Hollywood as well. He lived in LA, was a teenager in the early forties, lived near a golf course where he caddied and watched Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Spencer Tracy and others play. Decided to become an actor and what a bio!

Great read. Great man.

· see review

Apr 21, 2009

Chaybee rated it

I picked this book off of the new releases shelf at the Nac public library. I had recently read something about young Hollywood in the 1950s in Vanity Fair , and it piqued my interest. Robert Wagner, known to me best from the tv show "Hart to Hart," has led a rich and very interesting life. His commentary about Hollywood from 1950 onward is insightful and this was an easy, interesting read.

· see review

Oct 18, 2009

Pat Downs rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: biography

I love memoirs / autobiographies read by the subject. Of course he does a wonderful job. I am a huge Barbara Stanwyck fan so I was fascinated to hear how completely in love with her he was--for many years. As far as celebrity gossip goes, hHe clearly had some scores to settle so who knows if his version is reliable--but it sure was fun.

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Jan 02, 2009

Pam rated it

Mr. Wagner is no gentleman in my book. All he does is kiss and tell. Who didn't he have sex with? Does everyone in Hollywood become sexually active at puberty? I live in So. Cal. and this does not represent the lifestyle in California. I found no redeeming qualities in this book. Trash reading for those that like that sort of thing.

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Nov 28, 2011

Michael rated it

This is one of the best celebrity autobiographies that I've read in quite some time.

Despite may tragedies, Robert Wagner has had a wonderful life and career. He writes from his heart and comes across as what he is: a very nice, caring human being who speaks the truth.

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Apr 29, 2009

Chris rated it

Shelves: biography

He was a player with the ladies and is a class guy and did the Demi/Ashton thing with Barbara Stanwyck but with discretion. He loved Catalina Island until the death of his soulmate and has never been back there. Liked him just as much if not more after reading this tell all.

· see review

Aug 11, 2009

Dorothy Flynn rated it

If you are interested in "Hollywood", Robert Wagner talks about all of the old greats that have passed through his life, living and dead. He also talks more about Natalie's life and his true loves. It's not seedy, but has a bit of punch to it. It's a good read.

· see review

Jul 22, 2009

Kelly rated it

Picked this up a the Library yesterday. It was a fast read. I loved heart to Heart when I was little therefore have always loved Robert Wagner. I also wanted to read about Natalie Wood. He mentions a ton of old time Hollywood celebs. lots I knew and some I didn't.

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Apr 18, 2009

Gita rated it

A very readable and entertaining book that takes us on a journey through Wagner's life as a young up and coming Hollywood heartthrob, eventual heartbreak and loss (including two marriages to Natalie Wood) and redemption through loyal friendships and mentors and a fourth marriage to Jill St. John.

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Oct 18, 2010

Mary rated it

Recommends it for: anyone who is interested in the glamor days of Hollywood

Recommended to Mary by: heard review on NPR

This is a wonderful book about the movie stars that I used to read about in the movie magazines in the late 40's and later. They're mostly all there, at least those whom Wagner can say nice things about, and a few of the others. Very, very enjoyable.

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“Grief mixed with shock is such a difficult state to be in; it's hard even to describe it. On the one hand, I was numb and felt like I was in some sort of dream state - I couldn't believe Natalie was gone, but I knew it was true. And despite the shock, which makes you feel like you're muffled in cotton, my nerve ends were screaming. I was in emotional pain so intense it was physical.” — 2 people liked it

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