Angela Lansbury at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
- Net Worth: $70 Million
- Birthdate: Oct 16, 1925 - Oct 11, 2022 (96 years old)
- Birthplace: Poplar, London
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Actor, Singer, Television producer, Writer, Author, Voice Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Angela Lansbury’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy of a Hollywood Icon
Angela Lansbury, the beloved British-American actress and singer, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. At the time of her death in October 2022, her estimated net worth was a remarkable $70 million, a testament to her decades-long career. From her early roles in Hollywood’s Golden Age to her iconic portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in “Murder, She Wrote,” Lansbury’s versatility and enduring appeal captivated audiences worldwide. This article delves into the life, career, and financial success of this legendary performer.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Angela Brigid Lansbury on October 16, 1925, in Regent’s Park, London, England, she came from a family with artistic roots. Her father, Edgar Lansbury, was a successful wood merchant and a politician, while her mother, Moyna Macgill, was a celebrated Irish actress. The tragic loss of her father at the age of nine profoundly impacted Angela, leading her to find solace and expression in acting. She immersed herself in character portrayals as a coping mechanism, hinting at the deep emotional connection she had with her craft. This early experience would shape her career, allowing her to bring a remarkable depth and empathy to her roles.
Her passion for the performing arts grew during her formative years. She developed a love for movies and taught herself to play the piano. When World War II broke out, her family relocated to the United States, first to Montreal, Canada, and then to New York City. There, she honed her acting skills at the Feagin School of Drama and Radio and participated in stage productions, setting the stage for her future triumphs. She graduated from drama school in 1942, ready to begin her professional journey.
Hollywood’s Golden Age and Early Success
Lansbury’s professional career began early, at the age of 16, singing in nightclubs for $60 a week alongside her mother. Following her mother’s footsteps, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career. Initially, she worked at a department store, supporting her family with her earnings of $28 per week. However, her talent and determination quickly propelled her forward.
Her breakthrough came when she was cast in “Gaslight” at the age of 17, alongside Ingrid Bergman. She earned $500 per week for her role as a cockney maid. This performance was critically acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This marked the beginning of her rise in Hollywood’s Golden Age. She went on to sign a contract with MGM and appeared in several films, including “National Velvet” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
The 1950s and Beyond: A Versatile Career
After her MGM contract ended, Lansbury faced challenges, often being miscast in roles that didn’t fully utilize her talents. However, she continued to work steadily, appearing in radio shows and theatre productions, keeping her skills sharp. She demonstrated her ability to portray a range of characters, even playing older women despite being in her twenties. Her performances in films such as “The Long Hot Summer” and “The Reluctant Debutante” brought her back into the spotlight. She also took on more complex roles, including a villainous character in “The Manchurian Candidate,” for which she received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her range.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images
‘Murder, She Wrote’: Television Stardom
In 1983, Lansbury landed the role of Jessica Fletcher in the television series “Murder, She Wrote.” The show became a massive success, running for 264 episodes over 12 seasons until 1996. It became the longest-running detective drama in television history. “Murder, She Wrote” attracted a large and dedicated audience, solidifying Lansbury’s status as a television icon. Her portrayal of the mystery-solving author, Jessica Fletcher, remains one of her most beloved and recognizable roles.
Broadway, Disney, and Continued Success
Lansbury’s career was not limited to film and television; she also excelled on Broadway. In the mid-1960s, she gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of the title role in the musical “Mame,” which became a cultural phenomenon. Her stage career continued with acclaimed performances in “Gypsy” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” In 1991, she voiced the role of Mrs. Potts in Disney’s animated version of “Beauty and the Beast,” creating an iconic character that is beloved by audiences of all ages. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, she returned to the theater while still making appearances in television and film, including roles in “Nanny McPhee,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” In 2019, she was set to return to Broadway in a production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” further demonstrating her enduring passion and commitment to the performing arts.
Relationships and Family Challenges
Angela Lansbury’s personal life included two marriages. Her first marriage was to actor Richard Cromwell in 1945; however, it ended in divorce the following year when she discovered he was gay. In 1949, she married Peter Shaw, and they remained married for 54 years until his death in 2003. They had two children together, Anthony and Deidre. During the 1960s, Lansbury faced significant challenges when her children struggled with drug addiction. In an effort to help them, she moved the family to Ireland. Both children eventually overcame their addiction, but Lansbury later expressed regret, feeling that her focus on her career had sometimes overshadowed her family’s needs.
Real Estate Holdings
Throughout her life, Angela Lansbury amassed an impressive real estate portfolio. She owned a notable apartment in New York City, located just south of Central Park, which she purchased in 2006 for $2 million. She also owned a large residence in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, which she and her husband, Peter Shaw, bought in 1985 for $925,000. In March 2023, Lansbury’s estate listed the Brentwood mansion for close to $5 million, reflecting the value of her property holdings.
The Enduring Legacy of Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury’s career spanned over eight decades, leaving an incredible body of work behind. She won numerous awards and accolades, including an Honorary Oscar, five Tony Awards, six Golden Globes, and an Olivier Award. Although she was nominated for an Emmy Award 18 times, she never won one, a fact that often surprised her fans. Lansbury’s talent and charisma earned her a place among the greatest performers of her generation. Angela Lansbury’s work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, and her legacy as a versatile and beloved actress will endure for generations to come. Her films, stage performances, and television shows are a lasting testament to a truly remarkable career.
Career Earnings
Source / Title | Amount |
---|---|
Fantasia/2000 | $4.7 Thousand |
Murder, She Wrote | $300 Thousand/episode |
Gaslight | $500/week |
Total Earnings | $305.2 Thousand |