It’s a moment of profound sadness as we say farewell to one of Hollywood’s most cherished icons, Angela Lansbury. The legendary actress passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on October 11, as confirmed by her family in a statement to Closer Weekly. Her incredible journey through life and her unmatched contributions to the entertainment industry will forever be remembered.
“The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are deeply saddened to announce that their beloved mother passed away in her sleep at home in Los Angeles, early Tuesday morning, October 11, 2022. She was just five days shy of celebrating her 97th birthday,” the family shared. “Angela leaves behind a legacy of love and artistry, carried on by her three children—Anthony, Deirdre, and David—and her extended family, which includes three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine, and Ian, along with five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of 53 years, Peter Shaw. A private ceremony will be held for immediate family members at a later date.”
Family Life and a Love That Transcended Time
Angela Lansbury’s life was marked not only by her extraordinary career but also by the deep bonds she forged with her family. She welcomed her children, Anthony and Deirdre, with her beloved second husband, Peter Shaw, whom she married in 1949. Before their union, Peter was already a father to his son, David, from a previous marriage. Lansbury embraced David as her own, forming a close relationship that stood the test of time. Her stepson once revealed to Closer how much family meant to both Angela and Peter, even amidst their bustling Hollywood careers.
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“My father didn’t have any hobbies — family was his hobby,” David explained in July 2022. “For both of them, family always came first. No matter how demanding their work schedules were, they made sure we knew we were their priority.”
Tragically, Shaw passed away in 2003 at the age of 84 due to heart failure. Lansbury chose not to remarry, cherishing the memories of their perfect partnership. In a heartfelt interview in March 2014, she reflected on their relationship. “Peter and I had something truly special,” she said. “Not many people can claim to have such a perfect bond. He was everything to me — my partner in work, my husband, my lover. Our devotion to one another was the foundation of our 53-year marriage.”
A Career Defined by Excellence and Passion
Angela Lansbury’s rise to fame began in the early 1940s when she captivated audiences in the 1944 thriller Gaslight. This role earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, paving the way for her to become one of Hollywood’s Golden Age superstars. Over the years, she delivered unforgettable performances in films like The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Manchurian Candidate, and State of the Union, earning critical acclaim and cementing her status as a cinematic treasure.
Her career reached new heights with the crime drama series Murder, She Wrote, which aired from 1984 to 1996. Lansbury played the sharp-witted amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher, becoming a household name and proving her versatility as an actress. In the early 2000s, the Tony Award winner returned to Broadway in the show Deuce, showcasing her enduring talent and passion for theater.
In June 2022, Angela Lansbury was honored with the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, celebrating her remarkable seven-decade career. Her contributions to the world of entertainment have left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
