Let me tell you about Angela Lansbury, a woman who’s truly done it all in Hollywood. From Broadway stages to the big screen, Angela has been a force to reckon with. At 94 years young, she reflects fondly on her remarkable career, sharing insights that reveal her genuine love for the craft. She's proud to be known as a "character actor," a label that opened doors she never imagined. Angela once said, "[Being a character actor] gave me a much bigger career than I would have had if I had just been a glamour girl." And let's be honest, that's a bold and honest statement that only someone with her level of experience and humility could make.
From Gaslight to Murder, She Wrote: A Journey Through Hollywood's Golden Era
In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Angela dives deep into her illustrious career. She reminisces about her Oscar-nominated role in the 1944 film Gaslight, which showcased her immense talent early on. However, it’s her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote that remains closest to her heart. Angela admits, "She seems to be a universal woman that the world really likes, accepts, and recognizes me for." Interestingly, she adds that playing Jessica Fletcher was the closest she ever came to playing herself. That’s a testament to how deeply connected she felt to the character, and how much the role resonated with audiences worldwide.
Why Angela Lansbury Walked Away from Jessica Fletcher
After the show wrapped up in 1996, Angela only appeared in four Murder, She Wrote TV movies before officially saying goodbye to the character in 2003. Her decision wasn’t easy, but it was a choice she made with intention. As she explained, "I don’t see her as an older woman. I’d rather let her remain as she is. I don’t want to tarnish or alter that image." It’s clear that Angela values the legacy she built with Jessica Fletcher and wants to preserve it for future generations.
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Working with Hollywood Legends: A Closer Look
Throughout her career, Angela has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She starred alongside Judy Garland in The Harvey Girls and Till the Clouds Roll By, and alongside Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet and The Mirror Crack’d. Despite their undeniable talent, Angela found it challenging to relate to the lifestyle of these iconic actresses. "I had to admire her even though I couldn’t imagine living the life that she did," she once said about Elizabeth Taylor. Angela admired Elizabeth’s talent but preferred a quieter, more private life.
From Screen to Stage: Angela’s Broadway Triumphs
In 1957, Angela decided to leave Hollywood behind and pursue her passion for musical theater on Broadway. This bold move paid off when she won her first Tony Award in 1966 for her performance in Mame. By 1970, Angela chose to scale back her work commitments to focus on her family. She dedicated more time to her husband, Peter Shaw, and their two children, Anthony and Deidre. Angela cherishes the balance she found between her career and personal life, explaining, "I’m a housekeeper, a gardener. I do all those things. I have family around me, which is lovely." For her, nothing beats the joy of being at home with loved ones.
When asked how she’d like to be remembered, Angela humbly stated, "As an OK gal." It’s a testament to her grounded nature and the values she holds dear. To learn more about this incredible woman, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now on newsstands. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for all the latest updates!
