Childhood and Education Journey of Wallis Annenberg in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 29, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Wallis Annenberg. From birth to education, explore key events.

Wallis Annenberg is an American philanthropist and heiress, known primarily for her role as president and chairwoman of the Annenberg Foundation. This multibillion-dollar organization focuses on a wide range of philanthropic endeavors, contributing significantly to various causes across the United States.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1900: Moses Annenberg Immigrates to Chicago

In 1900, Wallis Annenberg's grandfather, Moses Annenberg, emigrated from Germany to Chicago.

July 15, 1939: Wallis Annenberg Born

On July 15, 1939, Wallis Huberta Annenberg was born. She later became a prominent American philanthropist and heiress.

1939: Wallis Annenberg's Birth

In 1939, Wallis Annenberg was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Walter Hubert Annenberg and Bernice Veronica Dunkelman.

1942: Death of Grandfather Moses Annenberg

In 1942, Wallis Annenberg's grandfather, Moses Annenberg, who owned The Philadelphia Inquirer, passed away.

1959: Wallis Annenberg Graduates from Pine Manor College

In 1959, Wallis Annenberg graduated from Pine Manor College, which was a junior college at the time.

1959: Meets Seth Weingarten in Venice

In 1959, Wallis Annenberg met Seth Weingarten in Venice while celebrating her graduation from junior college.

1960: Marriage to Seth Weingarten

In 1960, Wallis Annenberg married Seth Weingarten at Inwood after dropping out of Columbia University. They moved around the country following Seth's career.

1961: Birth of Daughter Lauren

In 1961, Wallis Annenberg and Seth Weingarten had their first child, a daughter named Lauren, who was born in New Haven, Connecticut.

1962: Brother Roger's Suicide

In 1962, Wallis Annenberg's brother, Roger, committed suicide at a psychiatric institution in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, at the age of 22, while on leave from Harvard University for treatment of schizophrenia.

1975: Divorce from Seth Weingarten

In 1975, Wallis Annenberg divorced Seth Weingarten.

1978: Seth Weingarten Wins Custody of the Children

In 1978, Seth Weingarten was awarded custody of their children following the divorce.

1979: Seth Weingarten Offers Wallis Full Custody

In 1979, Seth Weingarten offered Wallis Annenberg full custody of their children, but she never remarried.

October 2013: Opening Gala of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

In October 2013, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts held its opening gala.

January 2025: Supporting Los Angeles' Recovery from Wildfires

In January 2025, Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation supported Los Angeles' recovery from the Southern California wildfires, organizing "LA Check In," a livestream fundraiser featuring D-Nice and will.i.am, to boost relief efforts.