Who Is Angela Lansbury?
Angela Lansbury was one of the most respected and enduring actresses in the history of entertainment. With a career spanning more than 80 years, she excelled in film, television, theater, and voice acting, earning admiration across generations. Best known globally for her role as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote, Lansbury also left an indelible mark on Broadway, classic Hollywood cinema, and animated films.
Born in London and later becoming a naturalized American citizen, Angela Lansbury represented a bridge between the golden age of Hollywood and modern television. Her elegance, intelligence, and versatility allowed her to portray everything from villains and maternal figures to comedic and musical leads.
Angela Lansbury Age, Birth, and Early Life
Angela Brigid Lansbury was born on October 16, 1925, in Poplar, London, England. She grew up in a politically and artistically influential household that shaped her worldview from a young age.
- Father: Edgar Lansbury, a prominent British politician and businessman
- Mother: Moyna Macgill, a successful Irish stage and film actress
Angela’s childhood was deeply affected by World War II. Following the death of her father and the increasing dangers in London during the Blitz, her mother relocated the family to the United States in the early 1940s. This move would ultimately set the stage for Angela’s legendary Hollywood career.
Angela Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, just five days before her 97th birthday.
Age at death: 96 years old.
Is Angela Lansbury Still Alive?
No. Angela Lansbury is no longer alive. She died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles in October 2022. Her death marked the end of one of the longest and most distinguished careers in entertainment history.
Angela Lansbury Cause of Death
Angela Lansbury’s family announced that she died of natural causes. There was no reported illness or tragic circumstance. Her passing was widely described as peaceful, fitting for someone who lived a long, full, and accomplished life.
Angela Lansbury Net Worth
At the time of her death, Angela Lansbury’s net worth was estimated at approximately $70 million.
How Did Angela Lansbury Build Her Wealth?
Her impressive net worth was the result of decades of consistent success across multiple entertainment platforms:
- Long-term salary from Murder, She Wrote (12 seasons + TV movies)
- Broadway performances and productions
- Film contracts from MGM and other studios
- Voice acting (notably Disney’s Beauty and the Beast)
- Royalties and residuals from reruns and syndication
- Producing credits alongside her husband
Unlike many celebrities, Lansbury was known for financial prudence and long-term career planning, which allowed her wealth to grow steadily over time.
Angela Lansbury Young: Early Career and Breakthrough
Angela Lansbury began acting professionally as a teenager. Shortly after arriving in Hollywood, she signed with MGM Studios and made her film debut in Gaslight (1944) at just 18 years old. Her performance was so striking that it earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
She followed this with other critically acclaimed performances, including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Manchurian Candidate. Despite often being cast as older or morally complex characters, Lansbury embraced these roles, building a reputation as an actress of unusual depth and intelligence.
Angela Lansbury Movies and TV Shows
Angela Lansbury’s filmography is vast and diverse.
Notable Movies
- Gaslight (1944)
- The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
- Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
- Beauty and the Beast (1991) – voice of Mrs. Potts
Television Highlights
- Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
- Multiple Murder, She Wrote TV movies (1997–2003)
Her work earned her six Golden Globe Awards, five Tony Awards, and an Honorary Academy Award in 2013.
How Old Was Angela Lansbury When She Played Jessica Fletcher?
Murder, She Wrote premiered in 1984. Since Angela Lansbury was born in 1925, she was 58 years old when she first appeared as Jessica Fletcher.
This role was groundbreaking at the time, proving that women over 50 could lead a major television series successfully. The show ran for 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running drama series in TV history.
Angela Lansbury Relationships and Marriage
Angela Lansbury was married twice:
- Richard Cromwell (1945–1946)
- A short-lived marriage that ended amicably.
- Peter Shaw (1949–2003)
- Her second marriage lasted over 54 years, until Shaw’s death.
- He was an actor, producer, and later her professional partner.
Her marriage to Peter Shaw was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most stable and enduring relationships.
Angela Lansbury Kids and Grandchildren
Angela Lansbury had two biological children with Peter Shaw:
- Anthony Pullen Shaw – actor and director
- Deirdre Angela Shaw
She also helped raise her husband’s son from a previous marriage:
- David Shaw (stepson)
Angela Lansbury was also a grandmother, though she kept details about her grandchildren private, choosing to shield her family from public scrutiny.
Angela Lansbury Family: Father, Mother, Brothers, and Sisters
Parents
- Father: Edgar Lansbury – British Labour Party politician
- Mother: Moyna Macgill – Irish actress
Siblings
- Bruce Lansbury – twin brother, television producer
- Edgar Lansbury – twin brother
- Isolde Denham – half-sister
Her family background blended politics, performance, and intellectual engagement, which strongly influenced her values and career choices.
Angela Lansbury and Charles Manson: The Real Story
One of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of Angela Lansbury’s life involves her indirect connection to Charles Manson.
In the late 1960s, her daughter Deirdre became involved with individuals who were socially connected to Manson’s circle. Alarmed by the dangerous environment and growing drug culture in Los Angeles, Lansbury made the decisive choice to move her family to Ireland.
It is important to clarify:
- Angela Lansbury had no personal involvement with Charles Manson.
- She was not connected to his crimes.
- Her actions were those of a protective mother removing her children from harmful influences.
This decision is often cited as an example of her strong family values and moral clarity.
Angela Lansbury’s Legacy and Cultural Impact
Angela Lansbury redefined what longevity and relevance look like in entertainment. She broke age barriers, dominated Broadway, and became a television icon well into her later years. Her influence continues through reruns, stage revivals, and new generations discovering her work.
She was also admired for her advocacy, professionalism, and grace — both on and off screen.
Final Thoughts
Angela Lansbury’s life story is one of talent, discipline, resilience, and integrity. From her early years as a young MGM star to her reign as the queen of television mysteries, she built not only immense wealth but also an unparalleled artistic legacy. Her story continues to inspire readers and audiences worldwide.
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