Angela Lansbury, known for her iconic role in Murder, She Wrote, shot to fame at the age of 59, shattering the norms of the 80s TV landscape. But her journey began in 1944 with her acting debut in Gaslight, which earned her a significant Oscar nomination. In her early Hollywood years, Lansbury married Richard Cromwell, a famous actor, which marked the beginning of her rich journey in Tinseltown.
Unexpected twists: A short marriage and an unexpected discovery
Lansbury’s first marriage to Cromwell lasted less than a year and ended in 1946 when she discovered she was gay. Despite the revelation, Lansbury decided to remain friends with her ex-husband. Love found her again in 1946 when she met Peter Shaw, a fellow British actor in Hollywood. The two actors got along, and in 1949 they exchanged vows and set off on a life journey together.
A Life Full of Love: Angela and Peter’s long-term marriage
Married in Great Britain in 1949, Lansbury and Shaw built a family, welcoming son Anthony in 1952 and daughter Deidre a year later. Shaw, having a son David from a previous marriage, expanded the family circle. The couple’s lasting relationship lasted more than 54 years, witnessing the birth of grandchildren and weathering the Hollywood storm by moving to Ireland for a quieter life.
A tragic farewell: the death of Peter Shaw
The tight-knit couple’s bond remained unbroken, even as they faced the challenges of moving continents and co-founding the production company that brought “Murder, She Wrote” to life. However, their journey together ended with Shaw’s death on January 29, 2003, when he succumbed to heart failure at the age of 84. Lansbury, along with their three children and grandchildren, mourned the loss of a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Reviving Angela Lansbury: Overcoming Loss and Depression
After Shaw’s tragic death, Lansbury fell into depression, but found solace in returning to acting. Inspired by actress Emma Thompson, she took on roles in films like “Nanny McPhee” and made a triumphant return to Broadway with the 2007 production of “Deuce.” Her stellar performance in “Blithe Spirit” in 2009 earned her a Tony Award, demonstrating her enduring talent at age 83.
A Prolific Career: Lansbury’s Later Years
Lansbury’s later career was marked by notable roles in Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music,” alongside Jim Carrey in “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” and the stunning role of the Balloon Lady in “Mary Poppins Returns”. Her contribution to the entertainment industry was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 Tony Awards. Despite her prolific career, Lansbury’s journey ended on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96. In memory of Angela Lansbury, her legacy lives on through decades of extraordinary performances and a life that encompassed love, loss and an unwavering passion for the art of storytelling.