Who Is Peter Shaw?
Peter Shaw was a British-born actor, Hollywood agent, and television producer whose career spanned several decades across film, television, and talent management. While he achieved success in his own right, Peter Shaw is most widely recognized as the devoted husband and professional partner of legendary actress Angela Lansbury. Their marriage lasted more than five decades and became one of the most respected and enduring partnerships in the entertainment industry.
Beyond being “Angela Lansbury’s husband,” Shaw played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in Hollywood, helping shape careers, manage productions, and co-found a production company that was instrumental in one of television’s most iconic mystery series.
Peter Shaw Age and Early Life
Peter Shaw was born on June 24, 1918, in Reading, Berkshire, England. At the time of his death in 2003, he was 84 years old.
Peter Shaw Father and Family Background
Peter Shaw was born Peter Shaw Pullen. While public records provide limited detail about his father and mother, it is known that Shaw came from a middle-class English background. His upbringing emphasized discipline and responsibility—values that later defined both his military service and professional life.
Siblings: Brother and Sister
There is no reliable public documentation confirming whether Peter Shaw had brothers or sisters. Most biographical sources focus primarily on his adult career and marriage rather than his siblings or extended childhood family.
Military Service and Early Career
During World War II, Peter Shaw served in the British Army, a formative experience that shaped his character and worldview. After the war, like many British actors seeking broader opportunities, Shaw moved into the film industry.
He began his professional career as an actor, appearing in British and early Hollywood films during the late 1930s and 1940s.
Peter Shaw Movies and Acting Career
Although acting was not his longest-lasting profession, Peter Shaw appeared in several notable films:
- Sons of the Sea (1939)
- Forever Amber (1947)
- The Exile (1947)
Despite a promising start, Shaw soon realized his strengths lay beyond the camera. His understanding of contracts, talent, and production logistics naturally led him toward management and executive roles.
Transition to Hollywood Agent and Executive
Peter Shaw made a decisive career shift by becoming a Hollywood talent agent, eventually working with the prestigious William Morris Agency. In this role, he represented and managed major stars, helping negotiate contracts and shape careers during Hollywood’s golden era.
Later, Shaw returned to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as an assistant head of production, giving him significant influence behind the scenes. This executive experience proved invaluable in his later ventures as a television producer.
Peter Shaw Net Worth
There is no officially verified public figure for Peter Shaw’s net worth. However, several factors suggest he lived comfortably and securely:
- Long career as a Hollywood agent and executive
- Co-founder of a successful production company
- Co-producer of a globally successful television series
- Marriage to Angela Lansbury, one of the most accomplished actresses in film, television, and theater
Rather than personal wealth, Shaw’s legacy is better measured by his professional influence and creative output.
Peter Shaw and Angela Lansbury: A Legendary Partnership
Peter Shaw married Angela Lansbury on August 12, 1949. Their marriage endured for 53 years, until Shaw’s death in 2003.
A Supportive and Strategic Marriage
Their relationship was both romantic and professional. Shaw became Angela Lansbury’s manager and fiercest protector, guiding her career choices and shielding their family from Hollywood excesses.
In the 1960s and 1970s, when their children faced personal challenges, Shaw and Lansbury made the bold decision to relocate their family to Ireland, prioritizing stability over fame.
Angela Lansbury later described her marriage to Peter Shaw as one built on trust, loyalty, and shared values—qualities rarely sustained so long in the entertainment world.
Corymore Productions and Murder, She Wrote
In 1987, Peter Shaw co-founded Corymore Productions with his sons. The company partnered with Universal Television to produce Murder, She Wrote, starring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence
Peter Shaw served as co-producer, helping oversee business operations and production logistics. The show ran for 12 seasons, becoming one of the longest-running and most beloved mystery series in television history.
Their son Anthony Pullen Shaw directed numerous episodes, making Murder, She Wrote a true family endeavor.
Peter Shaw Married To: Marriage History
Peter Shaw was married twice:
- Mercia Lydia Squires (first wife)
- They had one son together before divorcing.
- Angela Lansbury (second wife, 1949–2003)
- Their marriage lasted over five decades and defined Shaw’s personal and professional legacy.
Peter Shaw Kids
Peter Shaw had three children:
- David Shaw – from his first marriage
- Anthony Pullen Shaw – son with Angela Lansbury, a television director
- Deirdre Angela Shaw – daughter with Angela Lansbury, largely private and business-focused
Daughter Deirdre Funeral Rumors
There have been online rumors and search queries regarding “daughter Deirdre funeral Angela Lansbury’s daughter Peter Shaw.” These claims are false.
Deirdre Shaw is alive, and no credible news sources report her funeral.
Peter Shaw Grandchildren
Through his children, Peter Shaw became a grandfather. Angela Lansbury publicly confirmed that she had three grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, many of whom are descendants of her children with Peter Shaw.
The family has consistently chosen privacy over public exposure.
Peter Shaw Family Values
Family was central to Peter Shaw’s identity. He was known as:
- A protective father
- A steadfast husband
- A principled professional
His decisions—especially moving his family away from Hollywood—reflected a belief that personal well-being mattered more than fame.
Peter Shaw Cause of Death
Peter Shaw passed away on January 29, 2003, in Los Angeles, California.
- Cause of Death: Congestive heart failure
- Age at Death: 84
Angela Lansbury stepped away from professional commitments during his final illness to care for him personally.
Funeral Peter Shaw
Details about Peter Shaw’s funeral were kept private. No widely publicized memorial service information was released, reflecting the family’s preference for discretion.
Lansbury’s Daughter Funeral and Peter Shaw
There is no connection between Peter Shaw’s funeral and any funeral involving Angela Lansbury’s daughter. Online searches combining these terms are based on misinformation.
Life After Peter Shaw and Angela Lansbury’s Tribute
After Peter Shaw’s death, Angela Lansbury continued to speak of him as the love of her life. She credited him with grounding her, guiding her career wisely, and creating a family life that endured beyond fame.
When Angela Lansbury passed away in 2022, many tributes referenced Peter Shaw as her lifelong anchor and partner.
Legacy of Peter Shaw
Peter Shaw’s legacy is not defined by celebrity headlines but by quiet influence:
- A respected Hollywood agent
- A trusted executive
- A successful television producer
- A devoted husband and father
He helped create a stable family and a television classic that continues to reach audiences worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Peter Shaw may not have sought the spotlight, but his impact resonates through the careers he guided, the productions he supported, and the family he protected. His life story reminds us that behind many legendary stars stands a steady presence—one built on loyalty, intelligence, and love.
This detailed account of Peter Shaw’s life and legacy is published in collaboration with primeheadlines, where thoughtful biographies and entertainment histories continue to be explored.
