Angela Lansbury, the iconic actress best known for her role as the brilliant amateur detective Jessica Fletcher in the television series Murder, She Wrote, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on October 16, 1925, in London, England, Lansbury’s career spanned an impressive eight decades. From her early days as a teenager in Hollywood to her role in beloved television series and films, Lansbury’s work has touched the hearts of millions. She passed away on October 11, 2022, just days before her 97th birthday. This article will delve into Angela Lansbury’s bio, family life, career achievements, and the profound impact she had on the world of entertainment.
Angela Lansbury Net Worth
Angela Lansbury career was extensive, spanning a variety of genres from drama to comedy, and her talent made her one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Throughout her career, she was not only known for her acting but also her singing talents. She accumulated a substantial net worth through her roles in film, television, and the stage. At the time of her death, Angela Lansbury’s estimated net worth was approximately $70 million.
Her financial success can be attributed to her diverse career and her role in Murder, She Wrote, where she earned around $300,000 per episode. This income, combined with her stage career and other projects, cemented her as one of the wealthiest and most accomplished actresses in Hollywood.
Angela Lansbury’s Bio, Family, and Early Life
Angela Lansbury was born Dame Angela Brigid Lansbury on October 16, 1925, in Regent’s Park, London, England. She was the daughter of Edgar Lansbury, a politician, and Moyna Macgill, an actress. Raised in a family with a rich connection to the arts and public life, Lansbury’s early experiences in theater would go on to shape her illustrious career. After her parents’ divorce, she relocated to the United States with her mother, where she would later make a name for herself in Hollywood.
Angela’s family life was marked by both triumph and hardship. She had two brothers, Bruce Lansbury and Edgar Lansbury, and a sister, Isolde Denham. Though her mother was supportive of her career, Angela faced the challenges of being a young woman in a competitive industry, often dealing with typecasting in her early years.
Lansbury married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Richard Cromwell in 1945, although the marriage ended in divorce in 1946. In 1949, she married Peter Shaw, a British actor and producer, who would become a pillar of support throughout her career. The two were married for 53 years until Shaw’s death in 2003. Angela had two children with Shaw, Deidre Angela Shaw and Anthony Pullen Shaw. She also had three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with her family continuing to hold a prominent place in her life.
Career and Accomplishments
Angela Lansbury’s career began at a young age. She made her film debut in 1944 with Gaslight, where she played the role of a Cockney maid named Miss Iselin. Her performance was widely praised, and it earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Lansbury appeared in a variety of films, often playing darker or more villainous characters, which showcased her remarkable range as an actress.
One of Lansbury’s most memorable early roles was in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), where she received her second Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Sibyl Vane, the tragic actress in the story. Another notable film from this period was The Manchurian Candidate (1962), in which she played the chilling role of the mother of a brainwashed political assassin. This role earned her another nomination, cementing her status as a versatile actress capable of playing complex, multifaceted characters.
However, it was on the stage where Lansbury truly showcased her range as an actress. She won five Tony Awards during her illustrious stage career. Her performances in musicals such as Mame (1966) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979) remain legendary. In 2009, she won the Best Actress Award for her performance in the play Blithe Spirit, a comedy in which she played the role of Madame Arcati. This was a major accomplishment in a career that had spanned more than six decades.
While Angela Lansbury was most widely recognized for her stage and film work, it was Murder, She Wrote, which aired from 1984 to 1996, that solidified her place in television history. Lansbury played Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer who solved crimes, becoming one of the most iconic TV detectives in history. The role earned her multiple Golden Globe Awards and nominations, as well as a dedicated fan base that continues to appreciate the show even today.
In 2013, Angela Lansbury was awarded an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, a fitting tribute to her decades of work in the film and entertainment industries. This accolade came at the age of 88, nearly seven decades after her first appearance in a film, and was a reflection of her lasting influence in the industry.
Angela Lansbury’s Cause of Death
Angela Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96, just five days before her 97th birthday. She died peacefully in her sleep at her Los Angeles home. The news of her passing was confirmed by her family, who asked for privacy during this time of grief. Angela’s death marked the end of an era in Hollywood, as she was a beloved figure in both the film and television industries.
Her family described her passing as peaceful, and it was clear that Lansbury’s legacy would live on through her work. She was surrounded by family in her final moments, and her passing was a reminder of the profound impact she had on those who loved her and the millions of fans who admired her for decades.
Angela Lansbury’s Legacy
Angela Lansbury’s legacy is one of remarkable talent and versatility. Whether it was playing a wicked stepmother in Gaslight, a mother seeking revenge in The Manchurian Candidate, or a clever detective on Murder, She Wrote, Lansbury demonstrated an unparalleled ability to bring depth and nuance to her roles. Her work in both film and television made her a household name, and her contributions to theater earned her the respect and admiration of audiences and peers alike.
Moreover, Angela Lansbury’s legacy is not only defined by her career achievements but also by her character as a person. Known for her kindness and professionalism, Lansbury was a mentor to many younger actors and actresses. Her long and loving marriage to Peter Shaw was also a testament to her devotion to family and relationships.
Her death, just days before her 97th birthday, marks the end of a truly remarkable life. Angela Lansbury will be remembered as a pioneering actress who not only shaped Hollywood but also touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Her work will continue to live on, from her unforgettable portrayal of Jessica Fletcher to her iconic performances on stage, forever etched in the annals of entertainment history.
Angela Lansbury’s Funeral and Final Tribute
Angela Lansbury’s funeral was held in a private ceremony, as per her family’s wishes. Her husband, Peter Shaw, who passed away in 2003, and her children and grandchildren were present for the intimate event. Following the funeral, a private family function was held where close friends and loved ones paid tribute to the beloved actress. Angela’s family asked for privacy during this time, allowing them to grieve and honor the life of a truly extraordinary woman.
Angela Lansbury’s death marks the end of an era, but her influence on the world of acting, television, and theater will never be forgotten. From her early days in Hollywood to her final role in the hearts of fans, Lansbury leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
In honor of her immense contributions to the world of entertainment, fans and peers alike will continue to celebrate the life of Dame Angela Lansbury for years to come.
FAQs
1. What was Angela Lansbury’s net worth?
Angela Lansbury’s net worth at the time of her death was approximately $70 million. This wealth was accumulated over her extensive career in film, television, and theater, with notable earnings from her role in Murder, She Wrote where she earned around $300,000 per episode.
2. What were Angela Lansbury’s most famous roles?
Lansbury is best known for her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote. Other iconic roles include her performances in Gaslight (1944), The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), The Manchurian Candidate (1962), and numerous Broadway productions such as Mame and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
3. Did Angela Lansbury win any major awards?
Yes, Angela Lansbury won five Tony Awards throughout her career, including one for Best Actress in a Musical for Mame. She also received an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 2013, recognizing her long and distinguished career in entertainment.
4. How did Angela Lansbury die?
Angela Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96. She died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, just five days before her 97th birthday.
5. What was Angela Lansbury’s early life like?
Angela Lansbury was born in London to parents with a background in public service and acting. After her parents’ divorce, she moved to the United States with her mother. Her acting career began in her teenage years when she made her film debut in Gaslight (1944).
6. Was Angela Lansbury married?
Yes, Angela Lansbury married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Richard Cromwell in 1945, but it ended in divorce in 1946. She married Peter Shaw in 1949, and the two remained together until Shaw’s death in 2003.
7. What is Angela Lansbury’s legacy?
Angela Lansbury’s legacy is defined by her exceptional acting talent, versatility, and the lasting impact she made in film, television, and theater. Her role as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote continues to inspire audiences, and her contributions to Broadway are revered by theater lovers worldwide. Lansbury’s influence on the entertainment industry will be remembered for generations to come.
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