Dame Angela Lansbury’s family shared news of her death (Picture: SIPA Ph: Juffett Suu/Shutterstock)
A host of stars have paid tribute to Dame Angela Lansbury, following the actress’s death at the age of 96.
Lansbury, who was best known for Murder, She Wrote and Beauty and the Beast, among decades of work on the silver screen, died just days before her 97th birthday, her family confirmed.
They said in a statement: ‘The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday.
‘In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.
‘She was proceeded in death by her husband of 53 years, Peter Shaw.’
The statement, shared via People Magazine, concluded: ‘A private family ceremony will be held at a date to be determined.’
The actress was days shy of her 97th birthday (Picture: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
Fans and friends took to social media to share their sorrow, with Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander telling his followers: ‘The great Angela Lansbury – one of the most versatile, talented, graceful, kind, witty, wise, classy ladies I’ve ever met has left us. Her huge contribution to the arts and the world remains always. #ripAngelaLansbury.’
Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson wrote: ‘I’ll never forget sitting next to Angela Lansbury at an opening night. Even though I had to pee I refused to leave my seat during intermission. I spent the 15 minutes chatting with her instead. She was incredibly lovely and I’m so glad I had that brief time with her. RIP Angela.’
Kathy Griffin added: ‘I cannot tell you how many ladies and gays are crushed, moved and feeling nostalgic about something in the past with the news of the passing of the fabulous Dame Angela Lansbury.’
George Takei wrote: ‘Angela Lansbury, who graced the stage for decades winning five Tony awards and brought the sleuthing Jessica Fletcher into our living rooms for a dozen years, has passed. A tale old as time, our beloved Mrs. Potts will sing lullabies to us now from the stars. Rest, great soul.’
Josh Gad added: ‘It is rare that one person can touch multiple generations, creating a breadth of work that defines decade after decade. #AngelaLansbury was that artist. From “Mame” to “Bedknobs” to “Murder She Wrote” to “B&TB” to “Mary Poppins Returns” she touched 4 generations. RIP Legend’.
Will & Grace’s Eric McCormack told his followers: ‘So privileged I got to spend time with this incredible woman. No one like her. Rest In Peace, Ms Angela.’
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She died days shy of her 97th birthday.