Angela Lansbury was one of the most accomplished actresses of the 20th and early 21st centuries. With a career that spanned more than 75 years, she was admired for her roles on stage, screen, and television. Her refined performances, memorable voice, and dedication to the arts earned her a place among the most respected figures in global entertainment. As her name continues to appear in discussions about classic Hollywood and theatrical excellence, many still ask: Is Angela Lansbury still alive? This article provides a definitive answer while honoring her remarkable legacy.
Is Angela Lansbury Still Alive?
No, Angela Lansbury is not alive. She passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96. Her family confirmed she died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, California. Lansbury’s death marked the end of a celebrated life and career, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence generations of performers and audiences.
Her passing was mourned across the entertainment world. Tributes came from actors, directors, playwrights, and public figures who praised her lifelong contributions to drama, musical theatre, and film.
Early Life and Family Background
Angela Brigid Lansbury was born on October 16, 1925, in London, England. She was the daughter of Irish actress Moyna Macgill and British politician Edgar Lansbury. Her family heritage deeply shaped her intellectual and artistic sensibilities.
After her father’s death when she was nine, Lansbury and her family eventually fled wartime London for the United States. They settled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles, where Angela began studying acting.
She attended the Feagin School of Drama and Radio and quickly demonstrated her talent and poise, leading to an extraordinary opportunity that would change her life.
Breakthrough in Hollywood
Angela Lansbury’s film debut came in 1944 with the role of Nancy Oliver in Gaslight, directed by George Cukor. She was only 19 years old at the time. The performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, immediately launching her into Hollywood’s spotlight.
She followed this with roles in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) and The Harvey Girls (1946), gaining a reputation as a mature and versatile actress far beyond her years.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she appeared in numerous MGM productions, frequently cast in character roles that showcased her intelligence and adaptability.
Iconic Roles in Film and Theatre
While Lansbury’s early work established her in Hollywood, her true versatility emerged in the 1960s and beyond. One of her most acclaimed roles came in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), in which she played the manipulative Eleanor Iselin. The performance earned her a third Oscar nomination and solidified her standing as a dramatic powerhouse.
In the world of musical theatre, Lansbury became a legend. Her work on Broadway includes:
- Mame (1966) – Tony Award for Best Actress
- Gypsy (1974 revival)
- Sweeney Todd (1979) – Tony Award for her role as Mrs. Lovett
- Blithe Spirit (2009 revival)
- A Little Night Music (2009–2010)
She won five Tony Awards, the most for any actress at the time, a testament to her unmatched stage presence and vocal command.
Television Fame with Murder, She Wrote
Angela Lansbury reached new heights of fame with her role as Jessica Fletcher in the long-running television series Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996). She played a mystery writer and amateur detective who solved crimes in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine.
The show ran for 12 seasons and earned Lansbury 12 consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Although she never won, the role became one of the most iconic in television history.
Murder, She Wrote was widely praised for its writing, production, and Lansbury’s sharp, dignified portrayal. It introduced her to a global television audience and cemented her as a household name.
Voice Work and Family-Friendly Roles
Lansbury’s warmth and vocal elegance also made her a natural choice for family films and animation. In 1991, she voiced Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, singing the beloved title song in a role that endeared her to younger generations.
She also starred in Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), Anastasia (1997), and returned to live-action roles in later years, including Nanny McPhee (2005) and Mary Poppins Returns (2018).
Her voice work further showcased her gift for emotional nuance and storytelling. Whether playing an evil queen or a kind-hearted teapot, Lansbury brought authenticity and depth to every role.
Awards and Lifetime Honors
Angela Lansbury was one of the most honored actresses in film and theatre history. Over her lifetime, she received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including:
- Honorary Academy Award (2013) for lifetime achievement
- 5 Tony Awards for Broadway excellence
- 6 Golden Globe Awards, including for Murder, She Wrote
- BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award
- Kennedy Center Honors (2000)
- Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2014
- National Medal of Arts (awarded by the U.S. government)
These honors reflected not only her artistic contributions but also her status as a cultural ambassador between the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.
Personal Life and Beliefs
Angela Lansbury married actor Peter Shaw in 1949. The couple had two children and remained married for over 50 years until Shaw’s death in 2003. She also had a stepson from Shaw’s previous marriage. Her family life was central to her identity, and she frequently stepped back from acting to care for her children.
In the 1970s, she moved her family to Ireland to help her daughter escape a troubled environment, underscoring her commitment to parenting and personal well-being.
Lansbury was known for her professionalism, integrity, and discipline. She rarely courted controversy and preferred to focus on her craft and family rather than fame.
Later Years and Final Projects
Even into her 80s and 90s, Angela Lansbury remained active in the entertainment world. She appeared in Little Women (2017, PBS), Mary Poppins Returns (2018), and reprised her stage role in Blithe Spirit multiple times.
She also continued to receive tributes and attend public events honoring her life’s work. Her presence at awards shows, retrospectives, and charity functions reflected her ongoing relevance and grace in aging.
Her final years were marked by dignity and reflection, with friends and fans acknowledging her as a true pioneer in entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angela Lansbury still alive?
No, Angela Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96. She died peacefully at her home in Los Angeles.
What was Angela Lansbury best known for?
She was best known for Murder, She Wrote, her Broadway performances, and film roles like The Manchurian Candidate and Beauty and the Beast.
Did Angela Lansbury win an Oscar?
She received an Honorary Academy Award in 2013 but was nominated three times earlier in her career for Best Supporting Actress.
Was Angela Lansbury ever married?
Yes, she was married to actor Peter Shaw for over 50 years, until his death in 2003.
What was Angela Lansbury’s final role?
Her final on-screen appearance was in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), released shortly after her passing.
Conclusion
Angela Lansbury is no longer alive, but her legacy remains profoundly alive in the worlds of theatre, film, and television. Over the course of more than seven decades, she redefined what it meant to be a performer—graceful, versatile, intelligent, and enduring.
She was more than a star; she was a standard of excellence. From classic film noir to musical theatre, from murder mysteries to animated fairy tales, Lansbury touched every corner of storytelling with brilliance.
Her voice, her presence, and her contributions will continue to inspire, teach, and entertain for generations to come.