There are few Hollywood careers that can match the longevity or success of Robert J. Wagner. He’s been a Hollywood insider for six decades. He started early enough that he was friends with some of the greatest acting icons of all time, and he’s stayed vibrant enough that he is still incredibly popular today!

When he was in his teens he caddied for Clark Gable. Spencer Tracy gave him career advice, and he was friends with Gary Cooper, James Cagney and Bette Davis. And his love life? How about names like Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, and Barbara Stanwyk. But his greatest love of all was Natalie Wood.

He decided to write about his incredible life in his new autobiography “Pieces Of My Heart,” and it became an instant New York Times bestseller.

Robert, or RJ, talks to Growing Bolder about Hollywood then versus Hollywood now and how he’s been able to remain a big part of the fickle industry.

Plus, as he prepares to turn 80, he explains why he thinks aging is a privilege and why he decided now, after all these years, to discuss the tragic death of his soulmate Natalie Wood.