History of Wallis Annenberg in Timeline

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.

1986: Appearance on The Joan Rivers Show

In 1986, Wallis Annenberg appeared on The Joan Rivers Show on the Fox television network, alongside actresses Lucille Ball and Michele Lee.

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1988: Sale of Triangle Publications to Rupert Murdoch

In 1988, Wallis Annenberg remained at Triangle Publications for three years after its sale to Rupert Murdoch. The company included TV Guide and Seventeen magazine, as well as radio and TV stations nationwide.

March 2009: Inheriting Leadership of the Annenberg Foundation

In March 2009, after Leonore Annenberg's death, Wallis Annenberg and three of her children, Lauren, Gregory, and Charles, inherited the leadership of the Annenberg Foundation.

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.

2014: Opening of Wallis Annenberg Hall at USC

In 2014, the Wallis Annenberg Hall at the University of Southern California (USC) was opened as part of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

2017: Honored with USC University Medallion

In 2017, Wallis Annenberg was honored with the USC University Medallion for her philanthropy and leadership.

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.

July 28, 2025: Wallis Annenberg Death

On July 28, 2025, Wallis Huberta Annenberg passed away. She was an American philanthropist and heiress and served as president and chairwoman of the Annenberg Foundation's board.