Natalie Wood was one of her closest friends. When Norma became ill with cancer it was Natalie who paid the medical bills as well as the (eventual) funeral costs.
Ex-sister-in-law of Alvin Sargent.
Studied drama at Texas State College for Women (known as Texas Woman's University (TWU) since 1957), in Denton, Texas.
Was raised by her aunt, Helen (Hartzband) Zuckerman of New York after her mom died giving birth to her. Daughter of Sam Zuckerman of Texas.