If films like The Manchurian Candidate, Gypsy, or Bedknobs and Broomsticks ring a bell, then the name Angela Lansbury should too. Who could forget the long-running television series, Murder She Wrote, which Lansbury starred in as Jessica Fletcher from 1984-1996? It was one of the most successful shows in history, garnering three Emmy® nominations and two Golden Globes for Outstanding Drama Series. Lansbury holds the record for most Golden Globe nominations (10), and the most Emmy® nominations (12) for the lead actress categories. She won four Golden Globe awards in the Best Actress in a television drama series category.

Born in East London, England, in 1925, Lansbury studied acting from her youth and left for the United States when World War II began. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her first film, Gaslight, while she was still a teenager. In addition to an illustrious film career, Lansbury was also a hit in the theater. In 1966 she won the title role in the Broadway musical Mame, which received positive reviews from critics. She followed with other Broadway performances and won five Tony Awards for her stage work.

In 2001, she graced the stage at The LDS Conference Center for the Christmas program with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and orchestra at Temple Square. Of her experience she said, “I didn’t realize that I was going to be hit by this extraordinary spirit. I haven’t experienced this before. It’s quite, unique, people doing something for the love of it.” An album was recorded from the performance titled The Joy of Christmas.  For more information and videos, visit her guest artist page on our website.