Lady Angela LansburyThe London-born actress is one of the most respected and beloved performers in show business, has passed away at the age of 96. Best known as the mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher on CBS’ Murder she wrote, the longest-running detective drama series in television history (1984-1996), the star had an entertainment career spanning 75 years. Lansbury received three Oscar nominations, among others (gaslight, Dorian Gray’s photo, The Manchurian Candidate) and an Honorary Academy Award, five Tony Awards, plus a sixth Lifetime Achievement Tony and a Golden Globe. Lansbury died on October 11 at her Los Angeles home.
“Dame Angela Lansbury’s children are saddened to announce that their mother passed away peacefully in her sleep today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at home in Los Angeles, just five days before her 97th birthday,” her family said. says in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she has three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great-grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury,” the statement added. “She was put to death by her 53-year-old husband, Peter Shaw. A private family ceremony will be held at a date to be determined.”
Angela Lansbury Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Tony Awards
Lansbury was a beloved star of stage, television and film. She appeared in a wide variety of memorable roles, from the voice of Mrs. Potts in Disney’s 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast to the unconventional Aunt Mame Dennis in 1966 mom to the human flesh pie-making Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and on June 12 she was honored with the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater. There to hand Lansbury (who beamed in virtually) was the prize for the singer Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street co-star Len Cariou, 82, and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, who sang mom as a special tribute (Lansbury is a gay icon).
“There’s no one I’d rather run a murderous business with,” Cariou said in his speech. “Angela’s extraordinary 75-year career has been marked by many joyful moments on stage.”
“It’s been a great life, especially for me,” Lansbury said. “And the good news is, girls, the opportunities are there for us of all ages. I mean, look at some of the outstanding work of the women in today’s film. I feel absolutely energized to keep going and a new career goals … After all, as far as I’m concerned, a career is still a work in progress.”
Lansbury was the earliest living Academy Award nominee, with her first Oscar nomination coming in 1944 gaslight, which took place 77 years ago. Rest in peace.