Dame Angela Brigid Lansbury DBE was born on October 16, 1925, in London, England, to an aristocratic family. Her mother, Moyna Macgill, was a renowned actress, and her father, Edgar Lansbury, was a prominent politician and businessman. Growing up in such a distinguished family, Angela was exposed to the world of entertainment and politics from a young age.

During World War II, Angela and her family relocated to the United States to escape the conflict in Europe. In America, Angela attended acting classes and discovered her passion for the stage. Lansbury studied acting at the Feagin School of Dramatic Art, located in New York City. She made her professional debut in 1942 with a small role in the theater production of Hotel Universe. Her talent was evident from the start, and her career was on the rise.

Proceeding to Hollywood in 1942, Lansbury signed to MGM and obtained her first film roles, in Gaslight (1944), National Velvet (1944), and The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945). In 1944, Angela married actor Richard Cromwell, but the marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce after just one year. In 1949, Lansbury married actor and producer Peter Shaw, and they remained married until he died in 2003. They had two children together, Anthony Peter (b. 1952) and Deirdre Ann (b. 1953), and Lansbury became the stepmother of Shaw’s son David from his first marriage. She appeared in 11 further MGM films, mostly in minor roles, and after her contract ended in 1952, she began to supplement her cinematic work with theatrical appearances. She then continued to hone her craft on stage and made her Broadway debut in 1957 in the play Hotel Paradiso, for which she received critical acclaim.

Angela‘s breakthrough came in 1962 when she was cast as the manipulative and cunning Mrs. Iselin in the film The Manchurian Candidate, alongside Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey. Her performance earned her a second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, her first was for Gaslight in 1944, establishing her as a formidable talent in Hollywood.

Moving into musical theatre, Lansbury gained stardom in 1966 for playing the leading role in the Broadway musical Mame, winning her first Tony Award and becoming a gay icon. Her versatility as an actress was evident in her ability to seamlessly transition between stage and screen.

However, it was on television that Angela Lansbury achieved enduring fame and acclaim. In 1984, she began her iconic role as Jessica Fletcher in the mystery series Murder, She Wrote. As the amateur sleuth and mystery novelist, Angela‘s portrayal charmed audiences around the world. The show ran for an impressive 12 seasons, making Angela Lansbury a household name and earning her numerous awards, including several Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.

Throughout her career, Angela Lansbury was known for her remarkable work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to her craft. Her ability to embody a wide range of characters, from sweet and endearing to devious and calculating, showcased her exceptional talent and versatility as an actress.

Angela‘s contributions to the entertainment industry extended beyond acting. She lent her voice to numerous animated films, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 1991, where she portrayed the beloved character Mrs. Potts. Her enchanting rendition of the film’s title song won her another Academy Award nomination. And in 1997, Lansbury voiced Marie Feodorovna Romanov in the animated film, Anastasia.

In addition to her acting and vocal talents, Angela Lansbury also dabbled in music. She released several albums over the years, showcasing her beautiful singing voice and interpreting classic songs with grace and charm.

Angela Lansbury’s career spanned over seven decades, and her impact on the entertainment industry was immeasurable. She became a role model for aspiring actors and actresses, proving that talent, dedication, and hard work could lead to enduring success.

Outside of her professional life, Angela was known for her grace, humility, and philanthropic efforts. She was involved in various charitable organizations and causes, including those related to the arts, education, and children’s welfare.

In 2013, Angela Lansbury was honored with a much-deserved Academy Honorary Award for her exceptional contributions to the film industry. It was a fitting tribute to a career that had enriched the lives of countless people around the world.

As Angela Lansbury‘s career continued to flourish, she remained a beloved figure in the hearts of her fans and peers. Her legacy as an actress, singer, and philanthropist will continue to inspire future generations of performers for years to come.

On October 11, 2022, Angela Lansbury passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and a lifetime of memorable performances. Her contributions to the world of entertainment will always be remembered and cherished, and she will forever be celebrated as one of the true legends of stage and screen.

As we approach the first anniversary of her death, we celebrate her life In Memoriam and to her family, may her memory be a blessing…