Challenges in the Life of Angela Lansbury in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 17, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Angela Lansbury. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1946: Divorce from Richard Cromwell

In 1946, Angela Lansbury divorced Richard Cromwell after he came out as gay.

1948: Cinema sales slump

In 1948, the cinema industry experienced a slump in sales, which impacted film budgets and staffing at companies like MGM.

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.

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.

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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: Family Traumas and Relocation

The year 1970 was difficult for the Lansbury family. Peter underwent a hip replacement, Anthony suffered a heroin overdose, and their Malibu home was destroyed in a brush fire. As a result, they purchased Knockmourne Glebe in County Cork, Ireland, to help Anthony recover from his addiction.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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