Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Angela Lansbury
How Angela Lansbury built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Dame Angela Lansbury was a British-American-Irish actress, producer, and comedian with an 80-year career spanning film, stage, and television. Based primarily in the United States, her extensive body of work garnered international recognition.
1942: Move to Hollywood and signing with MGM
In 1942, Angela Lansbury moved to Hollywood and signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), securing her first film roles.
1944: Role in National Velvet
In 1944, Angela Lansbury appeared as Edwina Brown in "National Velvet", a commercially successful film where she developed a lifelong friendship with co-star Elizabeth Taylor.
1944: First film roles
In 1944, Angela Lansbury obtained her first film roles in "Gaslight" and "National Velvet".
1944: Robert Osborne on Angela Lansbury's Contribution to Movies
Robert Osborne of Turner Classic Movies presented Angela Lansbury with the Oscar in 2013, stating that "Angela has been adding class, talent, beauty, and intelligence to the movies" since 1944.
1945: Role in The Picture of Dorian Gray
In 1945, Angela Lansbury appeared in "The Picture of Dorian Gray", a film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel.
1946: Appearance in The Harvey Girls
In 1946, Angela Lansbury played her first American character as Em, a honky-tonk saloon singer in the Oscar-winning Wild West musical "The Harvey Girls".
1947: Appearances in films
In 1947, Angela Lansbury appeared in "Till the Clouds Roll By", "If Winter Comes" and "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami".
1948: Appearances in films and radio
In 1948, Angela Lansbury appeared in "Tenth Avenue Angel", "The Three Musketeers", "State of the Union" and in an audio adaptation of Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" for NBC University Theatre.
1950: Television appearance
In 1950, Angela Lansbury appeared in an episode of "Robert Montgomery Presents" adapted from A.J. Cronin's "The Citadel".
1951: Appearance in Kind Lady
In 1951, Angela Lansbury appeared as a villainous maidservant in "Kind Lady".
1952: Appearance in Mutiny
In 1952, Angela Lansbury appeared as a French adventuress in "Mutiny".
1952: Termination of MGM contract and birth of first child
In 1952, Angela Lansbury had her manager terminate her MGM contract and gave birth to her first child, Anthony.
1952: End of MGM contract
In 1952, Angela Lansbury's contract with MGM ended after appearing in 11 further films following the success of "Gaslight" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray".
1954: Minor role in A Life at Stake
In 1954, Angela Lansbury, returning to cinema as a freelance actress, obtained a minor role in the film *A Life at Stake*, continuing her work as an older, maternal figure.
1955: Roles in 'A Lawless Street' and 'The Purple Mask'
In 1955, Angela Lansbury appeared in *A Lawless Street* and *The Purple Mask*, later calling *The Purple Mask* 'the worst movie I ever made'.
1956: Roles in 'The Court Jester' and 'Please Murder Me'
In 1956, Angela Lansbury played Princess Gwendolyn in *The Court Jester*, and took on the role of a wife who kills her husband in *Please Murder Me*.
1958: Roles in 'The Long Hot Summer' and 'The Reluctant Debutante'
In 1958, Angela Lansbury appeared as Minnie Littlejohn in *The Long Hot Summer*, and as Mabel Claremont in *The Reluctant Debutante*, filming in Paris for the latter. These appearances restored her status as an 'A-picture actress'.
1958: Rosalind Russell plays Mame
In 1958, Rosalind Russell played Mame in the non-musical film adaptation.
1959: Appearance in Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
In 1959, Angela Lansbury had a well-reviewed appearance in *Summer of the Seventeenth Doll*, which was filmed in Australia.
1960: Roles in 'A Breath of Scandal' and 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs'
In 1960, Angela Lansbury appeared in *A Breath of Scandal* and her role as Mavis in *The Dark at the Top of the Stairs* drew critical acclaim.
1961: Appearance in Blue Hawaii
In 1961, Angela Lansbury appeared in *Blue Hawaii* as the mother of Elvis Presley's character, who was only ten years her junior. Despite finding the film of poor quality, she agreed to appear in it because she 'was desperate'.
1962: Appearance in 'All Fall Down' and 'The Manchurian Candidate'
In 1962, Angela Lansbury appeared in *All Fall Down* as a manipulative mother, and in *The Manchurian Candidate* as Eleanor Iselin, despite being only three years older than Laurence Harvey, who played her son. She received her third Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination for *The Manchurian Candidate*.
1962: Role in The Manchurian Candidate
In 1962, Angela Lansbury received widespread acclaim for her role in "The Manchurian Candidate", frequently ranked as one of her best performances.
1963: Performance in 'In the Cool of the Day'
In 1963, Angela Lansbury performed as Sybil Logan in *In the Cool of the Day*, a film she later denounced as awful.
April 1964: Opening of 'Anyone Can Whistle' on Broadway
In April 1964, Angela Lansbury's first theatrical musical, *Anyone Can Whistle*, opened at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway. The experimental work was critically panned and closed after nine performances.
1965: Appearances in 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', 'Harlow', and 'The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders'
In 1965, Angela Lansbury appeared in *The Greatest Story Ever Told*, though was almost entirely cut from the final edit. She also appeared as Mama Jean Bello in *Harlow* and as Lady Blystone in *The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders*.
May 1966: Opening of Mame on Broadway
In May 1966, Angela Lansbury starred as Mame Dennis in the musical *Mame*, which opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. The role gained her a cult gay following, as Mame Dennis was 'every gay person's idea of glamour'.
1966: Appearance in 'Mister Buddwing'
In 1966, Angela Lansbury appeared as Gloria in *Mister Buddwing*. Despite many well-received cinematic roles, 'celluloid superstardom' evaded Lansbury, leading to dissatisfaction with minor roles.
1966: Starring in Mame
In 1966, Angela Lansbury gained stardom for playing the leading role in the Broadway musical "Mame", winning her first Tony Award and becoming a gay icon.
1967: Guest of honor at March of Dimes benefit luncheon
In 1967, Angela Lansbury appeared as the guest of honour at the March of Dimes annual benefit luncheon.
1968: Musical Performance at Academy Awards and Co-hosting the Tony Awards
In 1968, Angela Lansbury was invited to star in a musical performance for the Academy Awards ceremony and co-hosted that year's Tony Awards with Peter Ustinov. She was also elected 'Woman of the Year' by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Club.
February 1969: Opening of Dear World on Broadway
In February 1969, Angela Lansbury performed in Dear World, a musical adaptation of Jean Giraudoux's The Madwoman of Chaillot, which opened at Broadway's Mark Hellinger Theatre. She received her second Tony Award for the performance, but the show was critically panned and ended after 132 performances.
1970: Roles in 'Something for Everyone' and 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks'
In 1970, Angela Lansbury appeared in *Something for Everyone* as Countess von Ornstein, filming in Bavaria. She also played the lead role of Eglantine Price in the Disney film *Bedknobs and Broomsticks*, leading to her publicizing the film on television.
1971: Role in Bedknobs and Broomsticks
In 1971, Angela Lansbury appeared in the Disney film "Bedknobs and Broomsticks".
1972: Return to London's West End and Revival of Mame
In 1972, Angela Lansbury returned to London's West End to perform in *All Over*. This was followed by a touring revival of *Mame* in the United States.
May 1973: Starring in Gypsy in London's West End
In May 1973, Angela Lansbury began starring as Rose in the musical *Gypsy* in London's West End, earning a standing ovation and rave reviews.
January 1975: Gypsy on Broadway
In January 1975, *Gypsy* ran on Broadway. It was a critical success, earning Lansbury her third Tony Award.
December 1975: Performance as Gertrude in Hamlet
In December 1975, Angela Lansbury obtained the role of Gertrude in the National Theatre Company's production of William Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, staged at the Old Vic.
May 1976: Hamlet at the Old Vic ends
In May 1976, the National Theatre Company's production of William Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, staged at the Old Vic, and featuring Angela Lansbury as Gertrude, ended.
April 1978: Performance in The King and I
In April 1978, Angela Lansbury appeared in 24 performances of a revival of the musical *The King and I* staged at Broadway's Uris Theatre, playing the role of Mrs Anna.
March 1979: Appearance in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
In March 1979, Angela Lansbury appeared as Nellie Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a Sondheim musical directed by Harold Prince at the Uris Theatre. She starred alongside Len Cariou.
1979: Appearance in The Lady Vanishes
In 1979, Angela Lansbury appeared as Miss Froy in The Lady Vanishes, a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's 1938 film.
October 1980: Return to Sweeney Todd Role for US Tour
In October 1980, Angela Lansbury returned to the role of Nellie Lovett in Sweeney Todd for a ten-month US tour. The production was filmed and broadcast on the Entertainment Channel.
1982: Appearance in Little Gloria... Happy at Last
In 1982, Angela Lansbury appeared in the television film Little Gloria... Happy at Last with Bette Davis.
1982: Voice Role in The Last Unicorn
In 1982, Angela Lansbury provided the voice of the witch Mommy Fortuna in the animated film The Last Unicorn.
1982: Role in A Little Family Business and induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame
In 1982, Angela Lansbury took on the role in A Little Family Business, set in Baltimore, which faced protests for anti-Japanese slurs. In 1982, Lansbury was also inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
1983: Starring in The Pirates of Penzance and CBS's The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story
In 1983, Angela Lansbury starred as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance and appeared in CBS's The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story.
1983: Acceptance of Role in Murder, She Wrote
In 1983, Angela Lansbury was offered roles in a sitcom and a detective drama, Murder, She Wrote, and chose the latter, appreciating the character of Jessica Fletcher.
September 30, 1984: Premiere of Murder, She Wrote
On September 30, 1984, the pilot episode of Murder, She Wrote, "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes", premiered on CBS. The show proved popular and was designed as inoffensive family viewing.
1984: Starring in Murder, She Wrote
In 1984, Angela Lansbury achieved worldwide fame for her role as Jessica Fletcher in the American whodunit series "Murder, She Wrote".
1984: Appearances in The Company of Wolves, A Talent for Murder, Lace and The First Olympics: Athens 1896
In 1984, Angela Lansbury appeared in Gothic fantasy film The Company of Wolves, BBC television film A Talent for Murder, and miniseries Lace and The First Olympics: Athens 1896.
1986: Co-hosting Liberty Weekend Tribute and acting in Rage of Angels: The Story Continues
In 1986, Angela Lansbury co-hosted the New York Philharmonic's televised Liberty Weekend tribute to the Statue of Liberty with Kirk Douglas and appeared in Rage of Angels: The Story Continues.
1987: Spin-off The Law & Harry McGraw
In 1987, a spin-off of Murder, She Wrote was produced, called The Law & Harry McGraw. However, it proved short-lived.
1988: Portrayal in Shootdown
In 1988, Angela Lansbury portrayed Nan Moore in Shootdown, a movie about the mother of a victim of the Korean Air Lines Flight 007 plane crash.
1988: Release of Angela Lansbury's Positive Moves
In 1988, Angela Lansbury released a VHS video titled Angela Lansbury's Positive Moves: My Personal Plan for Fitness and Well-Being, outlining her exercise routine.
1989: Appearance in The Shell Seekers
In 1989, Angela Lansbury was featured in The Shell Seekers, playing an Englishwoman recuperating from a heart attack.
1989: Corymore Productions Co-Producing Murder, She Wrote
In 1989, Angela Lansbury's company, Corymore Productions, began co-producing Murder, She Wrote with Universal.
1990: Publication of Positive Moves Book
In 1990, Angela Lansbury published a book titled Positive Moves co-written with Mimi Avins, which she dedicated to her mother.
1990: Starring in The Love She Sought
In 1990, Angela Lansbury starred in The Love She Sought as an American school teacher who falls in love with a Catholic priest while visiting Ireland.
1990: Consideration of Ending Murder, She Wrote
In 1990, Angela Lansbury stated that the 1990-1991 season of Murder, She Wrote would be its last due to her tiring of the series.
1991: Growing Younger Audience for Murder, She Wrote
By 1991, a third of Murder, She Wrote's viewers were under fifty, indicating a growing appeal to a younger audience.
1991: Change of Mind Regarding End of Murder, She Wrote
In 1991, Angela Lansbury changed her mind about ending Murder, She Wrote after being appointed executive producer for the 1992-1993 season.
1991: Voice work in Beauty and the Beast
In 1991, Angela Lansbury contributed voice work to the animated film "Beauty and the Beast".
1992: Lansbury Appointed Executive Producer for Murder, She Wrote
Angela Lansbury was appointed executive producer for the 1992-1993 season of Murder, She Wrote, which she felt made it far more interesting to her.
1993: Shift of Setting to New York City for Murder, She Wrote
In 1993, for the seventh season, the primary setting of Murder, She Wrote moved to New York City to attract younger viewers, with Jessica Fletcher teaching criminology at Manhattan University.
May 19, 1996: Final Episode of Murder, She Wrote
The final episode of Murder, She Wrote aired on May 19, 1996. It was moved to Thursdays which upset Lansbury and led to its cancellation.
1996: Mrs. Santa Claus Television Film
In 1996, Angela Lansbury starred in the television film Mrs. Santa Claus, which proved to be a ratings success after initial plans for a Murder, She Wrote musical film fell through.
1996: End of Murder, She Wrote
In 1996, after twelve seasons, the detective drama series "Murder, She Wrote", starring Angela Lansbury, came to an end. She co-owned Corymore Productions and was the executive producer during the final four seasons.
1997: Murder, She Wrote: South By Southwest
In 1997, Angela Lansbury continued the role of Jessica Fletcher in the made-for-television film Murder, She Wrote: South By Southwest.
1997: Voice work in Anastasia
In 1997, Angela Lansbury contributed voice work to the animated film "Anastasia".
1997: Voice of the Empress Dowager in Anastasia
In 1997, Angela Lansbury lent her voice to the character of the Empress Dowager for the film Anastasia.
2000: Murder, She Wrote: A Story To Die For
In 2000, Angela Lansbury starred in the made-for-television film Murder, She Wrote: A Story To Die For.
2001: Withdrawal from The Visit
In 2001, Angela Lansbury dropped out of the lead role in The Visit before it opened due to her husband's deteriorating health.
2001: Murder, She Wrote: The Last Free Man
In 2001, Angela Lansbury starred in the made-for-television film Murder, She Wrote: The Last Free Man.
2002: BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2002, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) gave Angela Lansbury a Lifetime Achievement Award.
2003: Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle
In 2003, Angela Lansbury starred in the made-for-television film Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle.
2005: Appearance in Nanny McPhee
In 2005, Angela Lansbury appeared in the family film "Nanny McPhee".
2005: Appearance in Nanny McPhee and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
In 2005, Angela Lansbury appeared in the film Nanny McPhee as Aunt Adelaide, which helped her cope with her husband's death. She also starred in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, for which she received an Emmy nomination.
May 2007: Broadway Return in Deuce
In May 2007, Angela Lansbury returned to Broadway after a 23-year absence in Deuce, receiving a Tony Award nomination.
2007: Reflections on Academy Award Nominations
Reflecting on her three nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2007, Angela Lansbury stated that she was glad she did not win because she believed it would have led to a less successful career.
March 2009: Return to Broadway in Blithe Spirit
In March 2009, Angela Lansbury returned to Broadway for a revival of Blithe Spirit, earning her fifth Tony Award.
December 2009: Broadway Revival of A Little Night Music
From December 2009 to June 2010, Angela Lansbury starred as Madame Armfeldt in a Broadway revival of A Little Night Music.
2009: Record for Emmy Nominations Without a Win
As of 2009, Angela Lansbury held the record for the most unsuccessful Emmy nominations by a performer.
June 2010: A Little Night Music Concludes
In June 2010, Angela Lansbury concluded the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music at the Walter Kerr Theatre after starring as Madame Armfeldt from December 2009, earning her a seventh Tony Award nomination.
2011: Appearance in Mr. Popper's Penguins
In 2011, Angela Lansbury appeared in the film Mr. Popper's Penguins, opposite Jim Carrey.
July 2012: Broadway Revival of The Best Man
In July 2012, Angela Lansbury appeared as women's rights advocate Sue-Ellen Gamadge in the Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's The Best Man at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.
February 2013: Australian Tour of Driving Miss Daisy
In February 2013, Angela Lansbury starred alongside James Earl Jones in an Australian tour of Driving Miss Daisy, causing her to withdraw from a role in Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel.
November 2013: Academy Honorary Award
In November 2013, Angela Lansbury received an Academy Honorary Award at the Governors Awards for her lifetime achievement.
2013: Honorary Academy Award
In 2013, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors voted to bestow upon Angela Lansbury an Honorary Academy Award for her lifetime achievements in the industry.
March 2014: Blithe Spirit at the Gielgud Theatre
In March 2014, Angela Lansbury reprised her role as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End, marking her first London stage appearance in nearly 40 years.
December 2014: Tour of Blithe Spirit across North America
From December 2014 to March 2015 Angela Lansbury joined the tour of Blithe Spirit across North America.
March 2015: Tour of Blithe Spirit across North America
From December 2014 to March 2015 Angela Lansbury joined the tour of Blithe Spirit across North America.
April 2015: Olivier Award
In April 2015, Angela Lansbury received her first Olivier Award as Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Arcati.
November 2015: Oscar Hammerstein Award
In November 2015, Angela Lansbury was awarded the Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre.
December 2017: Little Women Miniseries
In December 2017, Angela Lansbury appeared as Aunt March in the BBC miniseries Little Women.
2018: Appearance in Mary Poppins Returns
In 2018, Angela Lansbury appeared in the family film "Mary Poppins Returns".
2018: Film Appearances
In 2018, Angela Lansbury appeared in the family film Buttons: A Christmas Tale, as well as in the film Mary Poppins Returns, where she sang the song "Nowhere To Go But Up". She also voiced the Mayor of Whoville in the animated film The Grinch.
November 2019: The Importance of Being Earnest on Broadway
In November 2019, Angela Lansbury returned to Broadway, portraying Lady Bracknell in a one-night benefit staging of Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest for Roundabout Theatre Company's American Airlines Theatre.
2022: Final Film Appearance in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
In 2022, Angela Lansbury made her final film appearance with a cameo role as herself in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
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