Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury

A very Likeable Actress

Angela Lansbury's career was not limited to movies; she also achieved significant success on stage, particularly in musical theatre, and on television, most notably in the long-running detective drama series "Murder, She Wrote," where she played Jessica Fletcher.

Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards, including an Honorary Oscar, five Tony Awards, and she was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 for her services to drama, charitable work, and philanthropy.

Angela Brigid Lansbury, a luminous figure in the realms of theatre, film, and television, led a life as captivating as the characters she portrayed. Born on October 16, 1925, in Regent's Park, London, England, to Edgar Lansbury, a politician, and Moyna MacGill, an actress, Angela's lineage was steeped in both political activism and theatrical creativity. The early loss of her father to stomach cancer and the backdrop of World War II shaped her childhood, imbuing her with resilience and a profound empathy that would later characterize her performances.

The Lansbury family's relocation to the United States in 1940, escaping the Blitz, marked a pivotal turn in Angela's life. Settling in New York City and later Hollywood, she pursued her passion for acting with vigor, honing her craft at the Feagin School of Drama and Radio. Angela's screen debut in "Gaslight" (1944) at just 19 years old garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a remarkable feat that announced her arrival on the cinematic stage. Her early career was distinguished by another nomination for her role in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945), establishing her as a versatile actress capable of navigating both ingénue roles and complex characters with equal finesse.

Lansbury's personal life, marked by its joys and sorrows, was as rich as her career. Her first marriage to Richard Cromwell in 1945 was brief, ending in less than a year, but it was her second marriage to Peter Shaw in 1949 that offered her stability and partnership until his death in 2003. Together, they had two children, Anthony and Deidre, and navigated the tumultuous waters of Hollywood with grace.

Angela's career trajectory was a testament to her adaptability and enduring talent. The 1960s and 1970s saw her conquering Broadway with performances in "Mame," "Dear World," and "Gypsy," earning her critical acclaim and multiple Tony Awards. However, it was her role as Jessica Fletcher in "Murder, She Wrote" that made her a household name, showcasing her charm and wit to audiences worldwide for 12 years.

Beyond her acting career, Lansbury was passionate about family, gardening, and supporting causes close to her heart, including arts education and animal welfare. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with an Honorary Oscar in 2013, celebrating her over 70 years in show business.

On October 11, 2022, Angela Lansbury passed away just five days shy of her 97th birthday. The cause of her death was attributed to natural causes, a peaceful end to a vibrant and impactful life. Lansbury's legacy, characterized by her versatility, professionalism, and warmth, endures through her extensive body of work, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of film, television, and theatre. Her departure was mourned by fans and peers alike, a testament to her widespread influence and the deep connection she forged with audiences around the globe. Angela Lansbury's life story, from the trials of her early years to her ascent as a beloved icon, mirrors the narrative arcs of the characters she so brilliantly brought to life: a journey of resilience, transformation, and enduring luminance.

1940s

• "Gaslight" (1944): Lansbury made her screen debut in this psychological thriller, playing Nancy Oliver, a sly maid who is part of a plot to drive her mistress insane. The film is notable for its atmospheric tension and Lansbury's standout performance, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
• "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945): In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel, Lansbury portrays Sibyl Vane, a tragic actress who falls victim to Dorian Gray's cruel indifference. Her performance won her a Golden Globe and another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
• "National Velvet" (1944): Lansbury plays Edwina Brown, the older sister of Velvet Brown (played by Elizabeth Taylor), in this family drama about a young girl who trains a horse for the Grand National steeplechase.
   

1950s

• "The Long, Hot Summer" (1958): Lansbury took on a supporting role in this drama, which revolves around the conflicts within a Southern family and features a cast that includes Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
   

1960s

• "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962): In one of her most iconic roles, Lansbury plays Eleanor Iselin, the manipulative mother of a brainwashed assassin. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
• "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" (1971): Though outside the 1960s, this film is a notable entry in Lansbury's filmography where she stars as Miss Eglantine Price, a witch-in-training who embarks on a magical adventure with three children during World War II. This family musical combines live-action and animation.
   

1970s

• "Death on the Nile" (1978): Lansbury plays the role of Salome Otterbourne, a flamboyant romance novelist, in this adaptation of Agatha Christie's mystery novel. The film is known for its star-studded cast and picturesque settings.
   

1980s

• "The Mirror Crack'd" (1980): Lansbury takes on the role of Miss Marple in this murder mystery based on Agatha Christie's novel, involving a film actress and a series of poisoning incidents.
   

1990s

• "Beauty and the Beast" (1991): Lansbury provides the voice of Mrs. Potts, the lovable teapot, in Disney's animated classic. She sings the film's title song, which became an iconic piece of music in animation history.

Angela Lansbury's acting style was characterized by its versatility, depth, and an innate ability to bring complexity and nuance to a wide range of characters. This versatility allowed her to inhabit roles across various genres, from mystery and suspense to musicals and family films, making her one of the most respected and beloved actresses of her time.

• Emotional Authenticity: Lansbury had a remarkable talent for portraying emotional depth, bringing a genuine sense of feeling to her characters that resonated deeply with audiences. Whether she was playing a villainous role in "The Manchurian Candidate" or the warm-hearted Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast," she always managed to convey a convincing emotional truth.
   
• Voice Modulation: A classically trained actress, Lansbury was adept at using her voice to add layers to her characters. Her ability to modulate her tone, accent, and pitch contributed significantly to the personalities she portrayed, making each role distinct and memorable. Her vocal performance was not only evident in her spoken roles but also shone in her musical theatre work, where her singing voice added another dimension to her performances.
   
• Physicality: Lansbury understood the importance of physicality in storytelling. She skillfully used her body language and movements to express her characters' inner thoughts and feelings, enhancing her verbal performances. This physical expressiveness was particularly evident in her stage work, where she had to convey emotions to the back rows of the theatre.
   
• Complex Characterization: Lansbury excelled at playing complex characters, often adding layers of intrigue and depth that were not explicitly stated in the script. Her ability to hint at the underlying motivations and vulnerabilities of her characters made her performances compelling and added a richness to the films and shows she was part of.
   
• Elegance and Presence: Lansbury possessed a natural elegance and a commanding presence, both on screen and on stage. This presence allowed her to dominate scenes effortlessly, drawing viewers' attention and holding it, whether she was in a leading or supporting role.
   
• Adaptability: Throughout her career, Lansbury demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt to different styles and trends in the entertainment industry. Her career spanned several decades, during which she successfully transitioned from film noir to musical theatre to television, showing a remarkable ability to reinvent herself and remain relevant.

On Challenges and Perseverance:

"It's a mistake to think that once you're done with school you need never learn anything new."
 

On Acting and Performance:

"Acting is a form of confession."
 

On Aging Gracefully:

"Here I am, I still go on, you know, like the tides."
 

On Staying Active and Engaged:

"I've never been particularly aware of my age. It's like being on a bicycle – I just put my foot down and keep going."
 

On Passion and Dedication:

"I was born with a need to be the center of attention, and of course, you're the center of the world when you're acting."
 

On Love and Relationships:

"The secret of a happy marriage is to tell your spouse everything, but the essentials."
 

On Career Longevity:

"Vitality is a kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to live, how to do the maximum with the minimum. That's why I can still get up and be on the stage. I learn from animals, from nature, from the human race, from everything I see. You have to learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count."
 

On Self-Reflection and Growth:

"I'm convinced that one should never play oneself. I think that's the kiss of death. One should try always to be someone that one isn't."

Academy Awards (Oscars)

• Nominated: Best Supporting Actress for "Gaslight" (1944)
• Nominated: Best Supporting Actress for "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945)
• Nominated: Best Supporting Actress for "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962)
• Honorary Award (2013): Recognized for a lifetime of achievements in the film industry.
   

Tony Awards

Angela Lansbury was a celebrated figure in Broadway theatre, earning several Tony Awards, primarily for her work in musical theatre:

• Won: Best Leading Actress in a Musical for "Mame" (1966)
• Won: Best Leading Actress in a Musical for "Dear World" (1969)
• Won: Best Leading Actress in a Musical for "Gypsy" (1975)
• Won: Best Leading Actress in a Musical for "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (1979)
• Won: Best Featured Actress in a Play for "Blithe Spirit" (2009)
   

Primetime Emmy Awards

Despite her long-running success in the television series "Murder, She Wrote," Lansbury never won a Primetime Emmy Award but received several nominations:

• Nominated: Multiple nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Murder, She Wrote" across various years.
   

Golden Globe Awards

Lansbury had better luck with the Golden Globes, winning several awards, especially for her role in "Murder, She Wrote":

• Won: Best Actress in a Television Drama Series for "Murder, She Wrote" (several times in the 1980s)
• Won: Best Supporting Actress for "The Manchurian Candidate" (1963)
   

Other Honors and Awards

• Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE): Awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 for her contributions to drama, charitable work, and philanthropy.
• Kennedy Center Honors (2000): Recognized for her lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
• National Medal of Arts (1997): Awarded by the President of the United States for her contributions to the arts.

• 1944 - "Gaslight"
• 1945 - "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
• 1945 - "National Velvet"
• 1946 - "The Harvey Girls"
• 1946 - "Till the Clouds Roll By"
• 1947 - "If Winter Comes"
• 1948 - "State of the Union"
• 1948 - "The Three Musketeers"
• 1949 - "Tenth Avenue Angel"
• 1949 - "The Red Danube"
• 1950 - "Samson and Delilah"
• 1951 - "Kind Lady"
• 1952 - "The Law and the Lady"
• 1954 - "A Life at Stake"
• 1955 - "The Purple Mask"
• 1956 - "The Court Jester"
• 1958 - "The Long, Hot Summer"
• 1958 - "The Reluctant Debutante"
• 1959 - "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs"
• 1961 - "Blue Hawaii"
• 1962 - "All Fall Down"
• 1962 - "The Manchurian Candidate"
• 1963 - "In the Cool of the Day"
• 1964 - "Dear Heart"
• 1965 - "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders"
• 1966 - "The Singing Nun"
• 1970 - "Something for Everyone"
• 1971 - "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"
• 1978 - "Death on the Nile"
• 1979 - "The Lady Vanishes"
• 1980 - "The Mirror Crack'd"
• 1982 - "The Last Unicorn" (voice)
• 1983 - "The Pirates of Penzance"
• 1984 - "The Company of Wolves"
• 1991 - "Beauty and the Beast" (voice)
• 1997 - "Anastasia" (voice)
• 1997 - "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas" (voice)
• 1999 - "Fantasia 2000" (voice)
• 2005 - "Nanny McPhee"
• 2011 - "Mr. Popper's Penguins"
• 2018 - "The Grinch" (voice)
• 2018 - "Mary Poppins Returns"