What Was Angela Lansbury's Last Role? A Look At A Legend's Final Bow

Jarret Herzog

28 Jul, 2025

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When you hear the name Angela, so many different images might come to mind, right? Perhaps you think of a fun virtual friend, someone who loves fashion and is a singing, dancing fashion star, a character you can take care of in a city full of activities, like My Talking Angela 2. Maybe you picture a captivating, gifted, and sensational presence like Angela Bassett, whose work has touched so many people. Yet, for countless admirers around the world, the name Angela instantly brings to mind a true icon of stage and screen: Angela Lansbury, a performer whose career spanned decades and left an absolutely incredible mark.

For those who cherished her work, from the mysterious Jessica Fletcher to her memorable big-screen appearances, a common question often comes up, especially after her passing: What was Angela Lansbury's last role? It's a natural thing to wonder about the final performance of someone who gave so much artistic joy for such a long time. People often want to know how such a storied career concluded, perhaps looking for one last glimpse of her remarkable talent.

Understanding her final performance gives us a chance to reflect on her amazing life and the enduring legacy she left behind. It helps us appreciate the depth of her commitment to her craft, even in her later years. So, let's take a closer look at the very last time Angela Lansbury graced our screens, a moment that, in a way, truly marked the end of an era in entertainment.

Angela Lansbury: A Brief Biography
Personal Details and Bio Data
Her Final Performance: A Special Appearance
A Career Filled with Iconic Moments
The Legacy She Leaves Behind
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking Back and Remembering

Angela Lansbury: A Brief Biography

Angela Brigid Lansbury was born on October 16, 1925, in London, England. She came from a family with a strong connection to politics and the arts, actually. Her grandfather was a prominent Labour Party leader, and her mother, Moyna Macgill, was an actress. This background, you know, probably set the stage for her own path into performing.

Her family moved to the United States during World War II, settling in New York City. It was there that young Angela began her formal training in acting. She was very dedicated, putting in a lot of effort to learn her craft. This early dedication really paid off, as she quickly found her way into Hollywood.

Her film career started almost immediately, and she earned an Academy Award nomination for her very first movie role. That's pretty amazing, honestly. She became known for playing a wide range of characters, often older than her actual age, and she brought a unique intensity to each one. She was, in a way, a chameleon on screen.

While she found success in films, it was on the Broadway stage where she truly became a theatrical legend, winning multiple Tony Awards for her incredible performances in musicals. And then, of course, there was her hugely popular television role, which made her a household name to millions more. She really had a knack for connecting with audiences, across all these different platforms.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Angela Brigid Lansbury
Born	October 16, 1925
Died	October 11, 2022 (aged 96)
Birthplace	Regent's Park, London, England
Nationality	British, Irish, American
Occupation	Actress, Singer
Years Active	1942–2022
Spouse(s)	Richard Cromwell (m. 1945; div. 1946) Peter Shaw (m. 1949; died 2003)
Children	2
Notable Roles	Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Auntie Mame (Mame), Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast)

Her Final Performance: A Special Appearance

So, what was Angela Lansbury's last role? Her final on-screen appearance was in the 2022 film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. This was a rather special cameo, a brief but memorable moment that allowed fans to see her one last time. It was a delightful surprise for many who watched the movie.

In the film, she appeared as herself, participating in a video call with the detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. She was playing an online game, "Among Us," with other famous figures like Stephen Sondheim and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This scene was filmed remotely, during the pandemic, which is quite interesting, actually.

The director, Rian Johnson, had a great deal of respect for her and wanted to include her in a small, fun way. It was a quiet nod to her incredible status as an entertainment legend. This appearance, you know, really showed her continued willingness to participate in projects, even for a brief moment, and to bring joy to audiences.

It's worth noting that the film was released after her passing in October 2022, making this cameo a poignant farewell for many. It was, in a way, a lovely final gift to her fans. This particular role wasn't a demanding one, but it allowed her to be seen, to be herself, and to remind everyone of her enduring charm and presence.

A Career Filled with Iconic Moments

Angela Lansbury's career was incredibly long and varied, honestly. She started in the Golden Age of Hollywood, making a big splash with her very first film, "Gaslight," in 1944. She played a scheming maid, and she earned an Oscar nomination for it, which is pretty amazing for a debut. She went on to appear in many classic films, often playing characters with a bit of an edge, or those who were much older than she was at the time.

But it was on the Broadway stage where she truly became a force of nature. She won her first Tony Award in 1966 for "Mame," a musical that showcased her singing, dancing, and comedic timing. She followed that up with more Tony wins for "Dear World," "Gypsy," and "Sweeney Todd," basically cementing her status as a theatrical superstar. Her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd" is, to this day, considered one of the greatest musical theater performances ever. She brought a unique blend of humor and darkness to the role.

Then came "Murder, She Wrote" in 1984, which introduced her to a whole new generation of fans. As Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer who always found herself solving crimes in Cabot Cove, Maine, she became a beloved figure. The show ran for 12 seasons and earned her numerous Emmy nominations, though she famously never won one for the series, which many found surprising. It was, in some respects, a role that truly defined her public image for a very long time.

Beyond live-action, she also lent her voice to animated classics. She voiced Mrs. Potts in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," singing the film's iconic title song. That performance, you know, added another layer to her already diverse career. She also appeared in family favorites like "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," showing her versatility across different genres. Her ability to transition between film, stage, and television, and to excel in each, was quite rare, honestly.

Even in her later years, she continued to work, appearing in films like "Mary Poppins Returns" and taking on stage roles. She received an honorary Academy Award in 2013, recognizing her lifetime of achievement in film. This was a wonderful moment, celebrating her immense contributions to cinema. Her career was, in a way, a masterclass in longevity and consistent quality.

She had a knack for picking roles that resonated with audiences, whether it was a dramatic turn, a comedic performance, or a musical number. Her presence on screen or stage always commanded attention. It's almost as if she had a special glow, a unique way of captivating people. She truly was a performer who understood her craft deeply, and she gave her all to every character she played.

Her work spanned so many different eras of entertainment, adapting to changing tastes while always maintaining her distinctive style. She was, you know, a true professional, always prepared and always delivering. It's really quite something to look back at the sheer volume and quality of her work. She never seemed to stop, always finding new ways to express herself artistically. This dedication is, in a way, what made her such a beloved figure.

The Legacy She Leaves Behind

Angela Lansbury's impact on entertainment is truly immense, actually. She was a performer who could do it all: sing, dance, act, and command both stage and screen with equal ease. Her ability to transition from Broadway musicals to dramatic films and then to a hugely popular television series is, you know, something very few actors ever achieve. She broke down barriers and showed that talent knows no age limit.

For many, she will forever be Jessica Fletcher, the smart and kind mystery writer who always solved the case. For others, she's the powerhouse voice of Mrs. Potts, or the formidable Mrs. Lovett. Each of these roles, in a way, represents a different facet of her extraordinary talent. She brought a warmth and authenticity to her characters that made them feel very real and relatable.

Her dedication to her craft was legendary. She continued to perform well into her 90s, taking on roles that challenged her and delighted her audiences. This longevity and passion are, in some respects, a huge part of her legacy. She inspired countless actors and performers to pursue their dreams and to never stop honing their skills. She was, basically, a living example of what a long and fulfilling career in the arts could look like.

Beyond her roles, she was known for her kindness and professionalism. Colleagues often spoke of her generous spirit and her unwavering commitment to the work. She was, you know, a true class act, both on and off screen. Her influence can be seen in the many actors who cite her as an inspiration, and in the enduring popularity of her films and shows. Her work continues to entertain new generations, which is a pretty amazing thing.

Her passing in October 2022, just days before her 97th birthday, marked the end of an era. Yet, her contributions to film, television, and theater will continue to resonate for many years to come. She left behind a treasure trove of performances that people can revisit again and again. Her legacy is not just in the awards she won or the roles she played, but in the sheer joy and inspiration she brought to millions. It's almost as if she's still here, through her incredible body of work. You can learn more about legendary performers on our site, and perhaps discover some of her earlier works by linking to this page .

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Angela Lansbury in Glass Onion?

Yes, Angela Lansbury had a cameo appearance in the 2022 film "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery." She appeared as herself, playing an online game during a video call scene. It was a brief but very memorable moment for fans.

How old was Angela Lansbury when she passed away?

Angela Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday. She was 96 years old at the time of her passing, having lived a very full and remarkable life.

What was Angela Lansbury's most famous role?

While Angela Lansbury had many famous roles across film, stage, and television, she is arguably most widely known for her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in the long-running television series "Murder, She Wrote." This role made her a beloved figure to millions of viewers around the world.

Looking Back and Remembering

Angela Lansbury's last role, though a small one, served as a beautiful final curtain call for a truly extraordinary performer. It reminded us all of her enduring presence and her willingness to keep creating, even in her later years. Her career was a testament to talent, perseverance, and a deep love for the art of storytelling.

We are, you know, incredibly fortunate to have such a vast body of work from her. From her early film noir roles to her Broadway triumphs and her iconic television series, she gave us so many unforgettable characters. Her legacy is one of versatility, grace, and an undeniable ability to connect with audiences across generations. She was, in a way, a true gift to the world of entertainment.