Dame Angela Lansbury dies at 96: ‘Murder She Wrote’ icon passed away in her sleep | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
Angela Lansbury, who delighted fans with a career spanning almost 80 years, has died just days before her 97th birthday. The iconic actress is best known for her roles in Murder She Wrote, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Beauty and the Beast and Nanny McPhee.
Her family said in a statement: “The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1.30am today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday.
“In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Peter Shaw.”
The statement continued to say that a private family ceremony will be held at a later date.
During the height of the Second World War in 1940, the family relocated to the United States to escape the Blitz.
It was there that she studied acting and secured her first film roles in Gaslight (1944) and The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945).
Throughout her widely successful career, Angela has starred alongside iconic actors including Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Maggie Smith.
She was also celebrated for her work in musical theatre, winning six Tony Awards including the Lifetime Achievement honour earlier this year.
Her talent also earned her six Golden Globes, a Laurence Olivier Award, a Grammy nomination and Lifetime Achievement gongs at the BAFTAs and Academy Awards.
“It’s a lovely thing to be given that nod of approval by your own country and I really cherish it.”
Tributes have been flooding in from A-listers who knew and admired the late actress.
Jane Seymour shared on Instagram: “Angela Lansbury will forever be an inspiration to me. I’m thrilled and complimented every time I hear comparisons about Harry Wild and her beloved Jessica Fletcher.
“She was a phenomenal actress and inspires me to continue honing my craft as the years pass on and I can only wish to be as beloved a sleuth as she was.”
While Catherine Zeta-Jones wrote: “Dearest, Darling, Dame Angela Lansbury. May you Rest In Peace.
“Our Broadway double act will forever be one of the joys of my life. As the lights dim for you on ‘The Great White Way’ you shall glow forever in our heart. Love you Angela, Catherine.” (sic)
More to follow…
