Did Angela Lansbury Raise Her Children In Ireland? Uncovering Her Family's Quiet Life

Jarret Herzog

27 Jul, 2025

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Many folks wonder about the private life of Angela Lansbury, the beloved actress who graced screens for so many years. There's a particular curiosity about her family, and a common question pops up: did Angela Lansbury raise her children in Ireland? It's a fascinating bit of her personal story, one that offers a glimpse into her dedication as a parent and her desire for a peaceful home. This question often comes up when people think about her long career and where she might have found a quiet spot away from the spotlight.

For someone who spent so much of her working life in the public eye, either on stage or on film, her home life was, in some respects, quite a contrast. You know, she really valued privacy for her family. This longing for a calm, ordinary existence for her loved ones led her to make some pretty significant choices about where they would live, away from the constant attention that came with being a famous performer. It was a choice that shaped a big part of her family's everyday experience.

We're going to explore this interesting period of her life, looking at why she chose Ireland, what her days there were like, and how this move shaped her children's upbringing. It's a story that reveals a lot about her character, her love for her family, and her efforts to give them a sense of normalcy. So, basically, we'll get into the details of this quiet chapter.

Angela Lansbury: A Life in Brief
Personal Details and Bio Data
The Ireland Connection: Why the Move?
Life in Cork: A Haven for the Family
Her Children's Experience in Ireland
The Lasting Impact of Their Irish Years
Angela Lansbury's Enduring Love for Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions About Angela Lansbury in Ireland
Final Thoughts on a Mother's Choice

Angela Lansbury: A Life in Brief

Angela Lansbury, a name that brings to mind so many wonderful performances, had a career that stretched across eight decades. She was born in London, England, and came from a family with a strong connection to politics and the performing arts. Her mother, Moyna Macgill, was an actress, and her grandfather, George Lansbury, was a well-known politician, a leader of the Labour Party. So, you know, a bit of that public service spirit was in her background, too.

She made her way to Hollywood during World War II, a young woman really, and quickly started making a name for herself in films. Her early roles often cast her as slightly older or more sinister characters, even when she was still quite young. She received Oscar nominations for her work in "Gaslight" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray" very early on, which is quite something. Her acting talent was clear for everyone to see, even then.

Later in her career, she found incredible success on Broadway, becoming a true star of the stage. Roles like Mame Dennis in "Mame" and Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd" earned her multiple Tony Awards and cemented her status as a theatrical legend. And then, of course, there was "Murder, She Wrote," the television show that made her a household name for a whole new generation. That series, basically, made her a global icon, a very familiar face to millions.

Her life was filled with hard work and dedication to her craft, yet she always held her family close. She understood the pressures that came with fame, and she always tried to keep her loved ones grounded. That's why, you know, the choices she made about where to live were so important to her. She wanted a place where her children could just be themselves, away from the constant glare of celebrity, and that's a truly admirable quality.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some personal details about Angela Lansbury:

Full Name	Angela Brigid Lansbury
Born	October 16, 1925, London, England
Died	October 11, 2022, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Spouse(s)	Richard Cromwell (m. 1945; div. 1946) Peter Shaw (m. 1949; d. 2003)
Children	Anthony Pullen Shaw (son) Deirdre Angela Shaw (daughter) David Shaw (stepson)
Occupation	Actress, Singer
Notable Roles	Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote), Mame Dennis (Mame), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Mrs. Iselin (The Manchurian Candidate)

The Ireland Connection: Why the Move?

The decision for Angela Lansbury and her family to move to Ireland was a really significant one, and it came about during a challenging time in their lives. It wasn't just a whim or a desire for a change of scenery, you know. It was a very deliberate choice made with her children's well-being at its very core. The late 1960s were a period of considerable upheaval in many parts of the world, and Hollywood, in some respects, had its own particular issues.

Angela Lansbury's children, Anthony and Deirdre, were growing up in Los Angeles, and they were, frankly, struggling. The counterculture movement of the time, with its drug use and other social pressures, had unfortunately affected them. Her daughter, Deirdre, and son, Anthony, had both become involved with drugs, and it was a source of deep worry for Angela and her husband, Peter Shaw. This situation was, basically, causing a lot of heartache for the family.

She spoke openly about this later in life, explaining that the environment in Los Angeles at that time was not helping her children. She felt they needed a complete change of pace, a place where they could find stability and heal away from the influences that were harming them. It was a pretty brave decision for a Hollywood star to just uproot her family like that, but she felt it was absolutely necessary for their future. So, she took action.

Ireland, with its quiet countryside, its strong community feeling, and its distance from the Hollywood scene, seemed like the perfect answer. Her mother had Irish roots, which probably made the idea a little more appealing, a bit like coming home in a way. The calm pace of life there offered a stark contrast to the fast-moving, sometimes chaotic, world they were leaving behind. She believed it could offer a fresh start, a chance for her children to get their lives back on track. It was, in fact, a very loving move.

Life in Cork: A Haven for the Family

Once the decision was made, Angela Lansbury and her family found their new home in County Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. They settled into a lovely farmhouse near Ballycotton, a coastal village. This wasn't a grand, flashy estate, you know, but a comfortable, welcoming place that offered peace and quiet. It was a world away from the Hollywood Hills, and that was exactly the point. The air was fresh, the scenery was beautiful, and the community was close-knit.

Life in Cork was very different from their previous existence. There were no paparazzi lurking, no constant demands for her time related to her acting career. She could, for instance, live a more ordinary life, focusing on her family and their recovery. She spent her days doing things many mothers do: cooking, gardening, and simply being present for her children. It was a chance to reconnect and rebuild, a sort of grounding experience for everyone.

She embraced the local way of life, becoming a part of the community. She reportedly enjoyed the simple pleasures, like shopping in local markets and chatting with neighbors. This wasn't a temporary stop for her; it was a genuine attempt to create a stable, nurturing environment. The slower pace, the natural beauty, and the warmth of the Irish people all contributed to the healing process for her family. It was, basically, a place where they could breathe again.

Even though she continued to work, traveling back to the United States for acting jobs, her base remained in Ireland for many years. This meant she would commute, often returning to the quiet of her Irish home after intense periods of filming or stage work. The house in Cork became her sanctuary, a place where she could recharge and return to her most important role: that of a mother. It was, in some respects, her true home during that period, a very special place.

Her Children's Experience in Ireland

The move to Ireland had a profound impact on Angela Lansbury's children, Anthony and Deirdre. It was, for them, a chance to step away from the negative influences they had encountered in Los Angeles and begin a new chapter. The change of environment was pretty drastic, but it provided the space they needed to address their struggles. They were able to focus on getting well, away from the temptations and pressures of their previous surroundings. So, it was a big shift.

Anthony, her son, eventually found his path in the film industry, following in his parents' footsteps, but in a different capacity. He became a television director, working on shows like "Murder, She Wrote," which was a wonderful connection to his mother's work. This allowed him to build a successful career on his own terms, arguably, and in a healthier way. He was able to apply his talents in a creative field, which is very cool.

Deirdre, her daughter, also found stability and pursued her own interests. She later opened a restaurant in New York City with her husband, which is a testament to her resilience and ability to build a good life for herself. The quiet years in Ireland provided a foundation for them to heal and grow, giving them the opportunity to rediscover themselves and pursue productive lives. It seems like the move really helped them, you know, find their footing.

Angela Lansbury always credited the move to Ireland with saving her children. She believed that the peaceful surroundings, the lack of outside pressures, and the strong family unit they formed there were absolutely vital to their recovery. It wasn't an instant fix, of course, but it provided the necessary environment for them to overcome their challenges. This period in Ireland was, basically, a turning point for her family, a very important time.

The Lasting Impact of Their Irish Years

The years Angela Lansbury and her family spent in Ireland left a lasting mark on them all. It wasn't just a temporary escape; it became a significant part of their family history and identity. The quiet life they built there, the challenges they overcame, and the bonds they strengthened during that time stayed with them long after they eventually returned to the United States. It was, in a way, a foundational period for them.

For Angela herself, Ireland remained a cherished place. Even when her career brought her back to Hollywood and Broadway for extended periods, she always spoke fondly of her time there. It represented a period of peace, a place where she could truly be herself, away from the demands of her profession. The memories of her children healing and thriving in the Irish countryside were, basically, very dear to her heart. She really loved that place.

The experience also highlighted her strength as a mother. She made a very difficult choice, sacrificing some aspects of her own career at the time to prioritize her children's well-being. This selfless act is something many people admire about her. It shows a deep love and commitment that goes beyond the glitz and glamour of her public persona. That's a pretty powerful thing, you know, to put your family first like that.

Her story serves as a reminder that even those in the brightest spotlights face real-life struggles, and sometimes, the simplest solutions, like a change of scenery and a focus on family, can make the biggest difference. The time in Ireland allowed her children to find their footing and go on to lead successful, healthy lives, which is, honestly, the best outcome a parent could hope for. It was a period of growth and healing for everyone involved.

Angela Lansbury's Enduring Love for Ireland

Even after her children were grown and her career took her back to a more active schedule in the United States, Angela Lansbury never forgot her time in Ireland. She maintained a deep affection for the country and its people. The peace and tranquility she found there, the sense of community, and the personal growth her family experienced, all contributed to this lasting bond. It was, in some respects, a place that truly helped her family.

She would often speak about her Irish home with warmth, recalling the simple pleasures and the calm atmosphere. It wasn't just a place she lived; it was a place where she truly felt at ease, a sanctuary from the often hectic demands of her profession. The country had given her family a much-needed respite, a chance to reset and rebuild, and she was always grateful for that. You know, it really meant a lot to her.

Her connection to Ireland wasn't just about the past; it was a part of who she was. She carried the quiet strength and resilience she found there with her throughout the rest of her life. The lessons learned during those challenging yet rewarding years in County Cork shaped her perspective and reinforced her values. She learned the importance of family, of quiet moments, and of finding peace away from the public eye. That's a pretty powerful lesson to learn.

So, while her primary residence might have shifted later in life, the spirit of her Irish years remained a significant part of her story. It's a beautiful testament to a mother's love and a family's journey toward healing and happiness. Her enduring affection for Ireland really shows how much that time meant to her, and to her children, too it's almost a second home in her heart. She truly loved that quiet corner of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angela Lansbury in Ireland

Here are some common questions people ask about Angela Lansbury's time in Ireland:

Where did Angela Lansbury live in Ireland?
Angela Lansbury and her family lived in a farmhouse near Ballycotton, a coastal village in County Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. It was a quiet, rural setting that offered them a lot of privacy and peace. She really enjoyed the simple life there, you know, away from everything.

Why did Angela Lansbury move to Ireland?
She moved to Ireland primarily to help her children, Anthony and Deirdre, overcome struggles with drug use they had encountered while growing up in Los Angeles. She believed a change of environment, away from the pressures of Hollywood, was essential for their recovery and well-being. It was, basically, a move for their health.

How many children did Angela Lansbury have?
Angela Lansbury had two biological children with her husband Peter Shaw: a son named Anthony Pullen Shaw and a daughter named Deirdre Angela Shaw. She also had a stepson, David Shaw, from Peter's previous marriage. So, you know, a family of three children.

Final Thoughts on a Mother's Choice

The story of Angela Lansbury raising her children in Ireland is a powerful example of a parent's dedication. It shows how far a mother will go to protect and nurture her family, even if it means stepping away from a highly successful career for a time. Her decision to seek a quieter life in County Cork was driven by love and a deep desire for her children's well-being. It's a part of her personal history that truly highlights her character, her strength, and her unwavering commitment to her family.

This period in Ireland was more than just a place to live; it was a time of healing, growth, and reconnection for the Lansbury-Shaw family. It allowed her children to find their footing and build healthy, productive lives. If you're curious to learn more about Angela Lansbury's incredible life and career, you can find a lot of information about her various roles and accomplishments, perhaps even check out her biography, which is a very interesting read. Learn more about Angela Lansbury on our site, and you might also like to explore other celebrity family stories that show similar dedication.

Her choice to move to Ireland remains a testament to her priorities, a clear indication that for all her fame, her family always came first. It's a beautiful aspect of her story, a truly human decision that resonates with many parents. And, you know, it just adds another layer to the amazing person she was.