Angela Lansbury Net Worth 2024: Bio, Career, Family, Death

Angela Lansbury, born on October 16, 1925, was an iconic actress whose career spanned over eight decades, leaving an indelible mark on film, television, and theater. Known for her role as the sharp and witty detective Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote, Lansbury was a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96, just five days shy of her 97th birthday. This article delves into her extraordinary life, illustrious career, and lasting legacy.

Angela Lansbury’s Net Worth

Angela Lansbury’s career in acting and singing made her a fortune. At the time of her death, her estimated net worth was around $70 million. She reportedly earned $300,000 per episode during her time on Murder, She Wrote. Her wealth came from a combination of film, television, and theater roles, as well as sound investments in real estate.

Despite her fame, Lansbury’s family disclosed that she passed away peacefully at her Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones. Her passing marks the end of an era for a performer who contributed significantly to the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Family Background

Angela was born into an upper-middle-class family. Her father, Edgar Lansbury, was a politician and entrepreneur, while her mother, Moyna MacGill, was an Irish actress. Tragically, Angela lost her father to stomach cancer when she was only nine years old. This profound loss influenced her decision to pursue acting as an escape.

The outbreak of World War II prompted her family to relocate to North America, where Angela continued her education in drama at the Feagin School of Drama and Radio in New York City.

Angela Lansbury’s Career

The career of Angela Lansbury is a testimony to her versatility and ability. From her debut as a teenager in Hollywood to her later years on stage and television, she excelled in every medium she explored.

Hollywood Beginnings

Angela’s Hollywood journey began in 1944 with her debut film, Gaslight, in which she played the role of a cockney maid. Her performances earned her the Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She signed a contract with MGM and appeared in several films, including National Velvet and The Picture of Dorian Gray. However, many critics believe that MGM miscast her in minor roles, hindering her potential during her early years.

Resurgence in the 1950s and 1960s

After leaving MGM in 1952, Lansbury began to reinvent her career. Notable roles during this period included her performance in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), which earned her another Oscar nomination. Her portrayal of a manipulative and villainous mother remains one of her most iconic film roles.

Theater Stardom

Lansbury achieved great success on stage, starting with her role in the musical Mame in 1966. Her performance won her a Tony Award and established her as a leading actress in theater. Over the years, she appeared in several Broadway productions, including Gypsy and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile performer.

Television Fame: Murder, She Wrote

Angela Lansbury became a household name in the 1980s with her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote. The series aired for 12 seasons, becoming the longest-running detective drama in television history. Lansbury’s portrayal of the amateur sleuth brought her widespread acclaim and multiple Golden Globe Awards.

Later Years

Even in her later years, Lansbury remained active in the entertainment industry. She lent her voice to Mrs. Potts in the Disney film Beauty and the Beast (1991) which earned the actress a new set of admirers. She also appeared in films such as Nanny McPhee and Mary Poppins Returns. Her final cameo was in the 2022 film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Awards and Achievements

Angela Lansbury received numerous accolades throughout her career, including:

• Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement (2013)
• Five Tony Awards for her performances in theater
• Six Golden Globe Awards
• An Olivier Award for her contribution to British theater
• 18 Emmy Nominations, though she never won

Her legacy as one of the most decorated performers in entertainment history remains unparalleled.

Angela Lansbury’s Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Angela Lansbury married actor Richard Cromwell in 1945, but the marriage ended in divorce a year later when she discovered that Cromwell was gay. The year was 1949 when she was married Peter Shaw, with whom she was married until the time of his death in 2003. They had two children, Anthony and Deirdre.

Family Struggles

The 1960s proved challenging for Lansbury as her children struggled with drug addiction. Her daughter, Deirdre, even became associated with Charles Manson’s followers. Determined to save her family, Angela relocated to County Cork, Ireland, where her children eventually overcame their addictions.

Real Estate Investments

Angela Lansbury invested wisely in real estate, owning a Brentwood mansion in Los Angeles, purchased for $925,000 in 1985, which was later listed for nearly $5 million in 2023. She also owned a luxurious apartment in New York City.

Angela Lansbury’s Cause of Death

Angela Lansbury passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Los Angeles home on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96. Her family shared the news, expressing their grief and requesting privacy. She is survived by her children, Anthony and Deirdre, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Legacy and Impact

Angela Lansbury’s influence on the entertainment industry is immeasurable. From her early days in Hollywood to her memorable stage performances and her legendary television role in Murder, She Wrote, she left a legacy of excellence. Her ability to seamlessly transition between mediums showcased her unparalleled talent and versatility.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lansbury’s resilience in overcoming personal challenges and her dedication to her craft make her a role model for aspiring actors. Her performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

Conclusion

Angela Lansbury’s extraordinary life and career are a testament to her talent, determination, and love for the arts. With a net worth of $70 million, numerous accolades, and a legacy spanning eight decades, she remains an icon in the history of entertainment. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions to film, television, and theater will ensure that her memory lives on.