MOVIE NEWS – Angela Lansbury, who is perhaps also known for her role in the TV crime series Murder Rows, died yesterday, October 11.

Dame Angela Lansbury, the London-born actress, one of the most recognized and beloved actresses in the film world, died at 96. The star, best known for her role as crime writer Jessica Fletcher on the CBS series Murder Row, the longest-running detective drama series in television history (1984-1996), had an entertainment career spanning 78 years. Among other accolades, Lansbury has received three Academy Award nominations (Gaslight, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Manchurian Candidate), an Honorary Academy Award, five Tony Awards for his performances, and a sixth Lifetime Achievement Award and a Golden Globe Award. Lansbury died on October 11 at his home in Los Angeles.

“Dame Angela Lansbury’s children are saddened to announce that their mother passed away peacefully in her sleep at 2:30 am today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at her home in Los Angeles, just five days before her 97th birthday.” > – says the family’s statement, obtained by PEOPLE. “She is survived by her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David; three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian; five great-grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury,” the statement added. “She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Peter Shaw. A private family service will be held at a date to be determined.”

Lansbury was a beloved star of stage, television and film. She appeared in a wide range of memorable roles, from the voice of Mrs. Potts in Disney’s 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast to the eccentric aunt in 1966’s Aunt Mame Dennis to the human meat pate-making Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and on June 12th was honoured with a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award was presented to Lansbury (who broadcast virtually) by the singer’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street co-star Len Cariou, 82, and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, who sang Mame (Lansbury is a gay icon) as a special tribute.

“There is no one I would rather do business with,” Cariou said in his speech. “Angela’s extraordinary 75-year career was marked by many joyful moments on stage”.

“It’s been a remarkable life, especially for me,” Lansbury said. “And the great news is, girls, opportunities are out there for us at any age. I mean, look at some of the great work that women in film are doing today. I’m totally emboldened to keep going and set new career goals for myself … After all career, as far as I’m concerned, is still a work in progress.”

Lansbury was the earliest living Oscar nominee, receiving her first Oscar nomination for 1944’s Gaslight, which happened 78 years ago. (In addition, this was his first film as well.) Rest in peace!

Source: MovieWeb