Childhood and Education Journey of Angela Lansbury in Timeline

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

An overview of the childhood and early education of Angela Lansbury, highlighting the experiences that shaped 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.

Sections (6)

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

October 16, 1925: Birth of Angela Lansbury

On October 16, 1925, Angela Brigid Lansbury was born in Regent's Park, central London, to Moyna Macgill and Edgar Lansbury.

October 16, 1925: Angela Lansbury's birth

On October 16, 1925, Angela Brigid Lansbury was born. She later became a British-American-Irish actress known for her extensive career in film, stage, and television.

January 1930: Birth of twin brothers

In January 1930, Angela Lansbury's mother, Moyna Macgill, gave birth to twin boys, Bruce and Edgar, leading the family to move to a larger house in Mill Hill, north London.

1934: Education at South Hampstead High School

From 1934, Angela Lansbury received her education at South Hampstead High School until 1939.

1939: End of education at South Hampstead High School

In 1939, Angela Lansbury's education at South Hampstead High School came to an end.

August 1940: Arrival in Montreal

In August 1940, Angela Lansbury, along with her mother and brothers, arrived in Montreal, Canada, aboard the Duchess of Atholl after evacuating Britain due to the Blitz.

1940: Acting studies

In 1940, Angela Lansbury began studying acting at the Webber Douglas School of Singing and Dramatic Art in Kensington, west London.

1940: Move to the United States

In 1940, to escape the Blitz in London, Angela Lansbury moved to the United States and began studying acting in New York City.

March 1942: Graduation from Feagin School

In March 1942, Angela Lansbury graduated from the Feagin School of Drama and Radio, having studied there on a scholarship from the American Theatre Wing.

August 1942: Return to New York City

In August 1942, Angela Lansbury returned to New York City, after which she and her brothers followed their mother to Hollywood, Los Angeles to resurrect her cinematic career.

September 27, 1945: Marriage to Richard Cromwell

On September 27, 1945, Angela Lansbury married Richard Cromwell, an artist and decorator. The marriage was troubled and ended in divorce.

1945: Marriage to Richard Cromwell

In 1945, Angela Lansbury married actor Richard Cromwell.

September 11, 1946: Divorce from Richard Cromwell

On September 11, 1946, Angela Lansbury was granted a divorce from Richard Cromwell, although they remained friends until his death.

December 1946: Meeting Peter Shaw

In December 1946, Angela Lansbury was introduced to Peter Pullen Shaw, an aspiring actor, at a party held by Hurd Hatfield in Ojai Valley.

1946: Divorce from Richard Cromwell

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

August 1949: Marriage to Peter Shaw

In August 1949, Angela Lansbury married Peter Shaw at St. Columba's Church in Knightsbridge, London, followed by a honeymoon in France.

1949: Marriage to Peter Shaw

In 1949, Angela Lansbury married actor and producer Peter Shaw.

1951: Naturalization as US citizens

In 1951, Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw became naturalized US citizens, while retaining their British citizenship via dual nationality.

1951: Became a US Citizen

In 1951, Angela Lansbury became a US citizen, while retaining her British citizenship.

1952: Birth of Anthony Peter Shaw

In 1952, Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw had their first child, Anthony Peter.

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.

April 1953: Birth of daughter Deirdre Angela Shaw

In April 1953, Angela Lansbury's daughter, Deirdre Angela Shaw, was born.

1953: Birth of Deirdre Angela Shaw

In 1953, Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw had their second child, Deirdre Angela.

1959: Move to Malibu

In 1959, Angela Lansbury and her family moved to Malibu, settling into a house on the Pacific Coast Highway to escape the Hollywood scene.

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.

1970: Move to Ireland

In 1970, amid personal difficulties, Angela Lansbury moved from California to County Cork, Ireland.

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.

November 1975: Death of Lansbury's Mother

In November 1975, Angela Lansbury's mother died.

1976: Cosmetic Surgery

In 1976, Angela Lansbury underwent cosmetic surgery on her neck.

1987: Cosmetic Surgery

In 1987, Angela Lansbury underwent cosmetic surgery on her neck.

1991: Building Corymore House

In 1991, Angela Lansbury had Corymore House built as a family home overlooking the Celtic Sea at Ballywilliam, County Cork.

May 1994: Hip Replacement Surgery

In May 1994, Angela Lansbury underwent hip replacement surgery.

January 2003: Death of Peter Shaw

In January 2003, Angela Lansbury's husband, Peter Shaw, died of congestive heart failure at their Brentwood home.

2003: Death of Peter Shaw

Angela Lansbury's husband, Peter Shaw, died in 2003; they had been married since 1949.

2005: Knee Replacement Surgery

In 2005, Angela Lansbury underwent knee replacement surgery.

2006: Purchase of Manhattan Condominium

In 2006, wanting to spend more time in New York City, Angela Lansbury purchased a $2 million condominium in Manhattan.

May 2010: Honorary Doctoral Degree from Manhattan School of Music

In May 2010, Angela Lansbury was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Manhattan School of Music.

2014: Irish Citizenship Claim

According to a 2014 article in the Irish Independent, Angela Lansbury also held Irish citizenship.

2015: Malcolm Turnbull Becomes Prime Minister of Australia

From 2015 to 2018 Angela Lansbury's cousin, Malcolm Turnbull, was Prime Minister of Australia.

2018: Malcolm Turnbull Steps Down as Prime Minister of Australia