Dame Angela Lansbury

A life devoted to storytelling, song, and soul.

1925 – 2022

Portrait of Angela Lansbury during her time in Murder, She Wrote
Portrait of Angela Lansbury for a press shoot during her time in Murder, She Wrote

Becoming Angela; 1940’s–1950’s

  • 1942 — Moved from wartime London to New York, beginning formal drama training.
  • 1944 — Film debut in Gaslight earned her first Oscar nomination at just 19.
  • 1950’s — Established herself in Hollywood, known for depth and grace beyond her years.

The Broadway Years; 1960’s–1980’s

  • 1966Mame: Brought joy, wit, and generosity to the stage.
  • 1974Gypsy: Portrayed Rose with fearless emotional depth and commanding presence.
  • 1979Sweeney Todd: Her comedic brilliance met her haunting musical strength as Mrs. Lovett.

Across Generations; 1970’s–1990’s

  • 1971Bedknobs and Broomsticks: A touch of magic and courage for a post-war world.
  • 1984Murder, She Wrote: Jessica Fletcher, solving mysteries with warmth, intelligence, and moral grace. Our First Lady of mystery.
  • 1991Beauty and the Beast: Her voice as Mrs. Potts became a lullaby for millions.

A Life of Achievement; 2000’s–2022

Across eight decades, Angela Lansbury redefined what it meant to be a performer, fearless, graceful, endlessly inventive. Her artistry earned her six Tony Awards, an Olivier Award, an Honorary Oscar, and the love of generations who found comfort and joy in her work.

Major Awards and Honors

  • 1944 — Academy Award Nomination — Gaslight
  • 1966 — Tony Award — Mame
  • 1969 — Golden Globe — The Picture of Dorian Gray (re-release recognition)
  • 1970 — Tony Award — Dear World
  • 1975 — Tony Award — Gypsy
  • 1979 — Tony Award — Sweeney Todd
  • 1984 — 1996 — Golden Globes (4×) — Murder, She Wrote
  • 1985 — 1996 — Emmy Nominations (12×) — Murder, She Wrote
  • 1990 — Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre (Tony Awards tribute)
  • 2009 — Tony Award — Blithe Spirit
  • 2013 — Olivier Award — Blithe Spirit (London)
  • 2014 — Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement
  • 2014 — Damehood (DBE) — Services to Drama and Charity

The Final Curtain

“I believe that if you can stand up and do what you love, that’s a life worth living.”
– Angela Lansbury

The curtain may fall, but her light endures forever.