Star of Murder, She Wrote Dame Angela Lansbury has died
The 96-year-old's family say she passed away peacefully in her sleep
Last updated 13th Oct 2022
Dame Angela Lansbury, who starred as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote has died at the age of 96.
Her family released a statement to say she passed away "peacefully" in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles.
Statement from Angela Lansbury's family
"The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1.30am today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday.
"In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.
"She was proceeded in death by her husband of 53 years, Peter Shaw. A private family ceremony will be held at a date to be determined."
The London-born actress, who won five Tony Awards and three Oscar nominations, was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.
Dame Angela was also known for her roles in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and for voicing Mrs Potts in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Dame Angela Lansbury's career
Dame Angela’s first film role was in George Cukor’s Gaslight as a young maid named Nancy Oliver who worked in the home of the film’s protagonist Paula Alquist, played by Ingrid Bergman.
The then-19-year-old Dame Angela received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her role in the 1944 film.
Dame Angela garnered a great deal of recognition and is perhaps best known for her portrayal of novelist and sleuth Jessica – a retired schoolteacher from the fictional town of Cabot Cove who became a successful detective novelist after her husband's death.
In 2002, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award by Bafta and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2013, Dame Angela was given an honorary Academy Award for her lifetime achievements in the film industry.
Celebrities we've sadly lost in 2022
Kim Mi-soo
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Her agency, Landscape Entertainment, said: "Kim suddenly left us on Jan. 5. The bereaved are deep in their sorrow at the sudden sadness. Please refrain from reporting false rumors or speculation so that the family can mourn in peace."
George Rossi
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His niece confirmed the sad news on social media.
Peter Bogdanovich
Oscar-nominated director and actor Peter Bogdanovich sadly died of natural causes at the age of 82 in January, with his daughter confirming the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Sir Sidney Poitier
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Jack Dromey Labour MP
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Bob Saget
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His family said in a statement: "We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today.
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Nicholas Donnelly
Grange Hill actor Nicholas Donnelly sadly died in his sleep aged 84 in January.
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Gary Brooker
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Shirley Hughes
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Taylor Hawkins
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Tom Parker
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David McKee
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Andrew Woolfolk
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Dennis Waterman
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Bruce MacVittie
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Kay Mellor
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Andy Fletcher
Depeche Mode keyboardist and founding member Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher sadly died at the age of 60 in May.
His bandmates Dave Gahan and Martin Gore released a statement which read: 'We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher.
'Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint.
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Ray Liotta
Hollywood actor Ray Liotta sadly died in his sleep at the age of 67 in May. He was in the Dominican Republic at the time filming for upcoming movie Dangerous Waters.
Ray was best known for his role as Henry Hill in Goodfellas, and among the many tributes paid to the actor, his co-star Lorraine Bracco said: 'I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray.
'I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.'
Alec John Such
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Bon Jovi issued a statement to their social channels on 5th June to confirm the sad news.
Hilary Devey
Former Dragons' Den star Hilary Devey sadly died at the age of 65 in June, following a long illness. Her publicist Benjamin Webb confirmed the news.
Dame Deborah James
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Mona Hammond OBE
EastEnders actress Mona Hammond OBE sadly passed away at the age of 91 in July.
James Caan
Godfather and Elf star James Caan sadly died at the age of 82 in early July.
His family released a statement reading: 'It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.
'The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.'
David Warner
Titanic, The Omen and Star Trek star David Warner sadly died on 24th July 2022, aged 80, from a cancer-related illness. The Manchester-born actor's family revealed the sad news, in a statement reading: "He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years. We are heartbroken.
"He is survived by his beloved partner Lisa Bowerman, his much-loved son Luke and daughter in-law Sarah, his good friend Jane Spencer Prior, his first wife Harriet Evans and his many gold dust friends."
Bernard Cribbins
In July, Bernard Cribbins, an actor who has been entertaining us for over 60 years died aged 93. He was well known for his roles in The Railway Children, Doctor Who, Old Jack's Boat and narrating the Wombles.
Paul Sorvino
American actor Paul Sorvino, best known for his roles in Law & Order and Goodfellas, sadly died at the age of 83 in July. Paul's daughter Mira Sorvino confirmed the news in a statement on Twitter.
Pat Carroll
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Nichelle Nichols
Actress Nichelle Nichols, known best for her role in Star Trek sadly passed away at the age of 89 on 30th July from natural causes.
She played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the series from 1966-1969 and was one of the first black actresses to play an authority figure in the US.
Dame Olivia Newton-John
Dame Olivia Newton-John peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday 8th August.
Olivia's husband John Easterling confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: 'Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time.'
Lamont Dozier
Legendary Motown producer, singer and songwriter Lamont Dozier sadly died at the age of 81 in August, and the sad news was confirmed by his family.
He was part of the Holland-Dozier-Holland team, and was responsible for numerous big hits throughout the 60s and 70s. Lamont Dozier wrote for groups like The Supremes, The Isley Brothers, The Four Tops, and Martha and the Vandellas.
Raymond Briggs
Author-illustrator Raymond Briggs, best-known for his 1978 classic The Snowman, sadly died at the age of 88 in August, his family confirmed the news.
Darius Danesh
Darius Campbell Danesh, who rose to fame on Pop Idol in 2002, sadly died at the age of 41 in August.
Darius' family released a statement to confirm the shock news, revealing he was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota.
Bruce Montague
Former Hollyoaks actor Bruce Montague, who was also known for his role in Doctor Who audio adventures, sadly passed away at the age of 83 in August.
his talent agency Belfield & Ward announced the news on social media.
Josephine Tewson
Actress Josephine Tewson, best known for her roles in Keeping Up Appearances and Last of the Summer Wine, sadly died at the age of 91 in August.
Her agent confirmed the news in a statement which read: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.
'Josephine passed away peacefully last night at Denville Hall at the Age of 91.'
Bill Turnbull
Following a long battle with prostate cancer, presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull sadly died at the age of 66 on Wednesday 31t August.
His family confirmed the sad news in an online statement.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
On the evening of 8th September, the Royal Family confirmed the sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died at the aged 96.
The statement read: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.'
Jean-Luc Godard
French-Swiss film director Jean-Luc Godard sadly died at the age of 91 in September.
Cherry Valentine
RuPaul's Drag Race UK star George Ward, known by his stage name Cherry Valentine, sadly died at the age of 28 in September. His family released a statement revealing the passing was a 'profound shock'.
Dame Hilary Mantel
Dame Hilary Mantel, the British author best known for the Wolf Hall series of novels, sadly died at the age of 70 in September, her agent revealed.
Coolio
American rapper Coolio, famed for the hit 'Gangsta's Paradise', sadly died at the age of 59 in September, after suffering a suspected heart attack whilst visiting a friend in Los Angeles.
Dame Angela Lansbury,
Dame Angela Lansbury, who starred as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96 in October. Her beloved family released a statement to confirm the sad news.
Robbie Coltrane
On 15th October, the tragic news was announced that Robbie Coltrane had passed away. The actor was famed for huge roles such as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, and Dr. Eddie "Fitz" Fitzgerald in Cracker.
Leslie Jordan
American actor Leslie Jordan tragically died at the age of 67 in October, after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Los Angeles. Leslie was on his way to the Warner Bros studio set to film Call Me Kat at the time of the accident.
Migos rapper Takeoff
Migos rapper Takeoff was shot dead at the age of 28 while playing dice with fellow Migos member and uncle Quavo.
Aaron Carter
Singer and rapper Aaron Carter, the brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, died at the age of 34 in November. His rep confirmed the sad news, saying: "Right now it's a really bad time, we're trying to figure out what happened and what the cause of it wa.
"We're just as upset as everyone and hope that fans can give thoughts and prayers to his family."
Bill Treacher
Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, died aged 92 in November. He was one of the soap's original cast members appearing from 1985 until 1996.
Leslie Phillips
Leslie Phillips, famous for appearing in the Carry On films and being the voice of the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter, sadly died at the age of 98 in November. Leslie died peacefully in his sleep.
Irene Cara
Oscar and Grammy winning musician Irene Cara sadly died at the age of 63 in November. Her publicist Judith Moose announced the news on social media.
Doddie Weir
Scottish Rugby player Doddie Weir sadly passed away at the age of 52 in November, after going public with his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in 2017. Doddie's family confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement.
Christine McVie
Fleetwood Mac's co-lead vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie sadly passed away at the age of 79 at the end of November, following a short illness. Her family released a statement at the time revealing she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Kirstie Alley
US actress Kirstie Alley sadly died from cancer at the age of 71 in December, her family revealed in a statement. Kirstie, who was best known for her role in Cheers, was surrounded by her closest family at the time.
Ronnie Turner
Tina Turner's son, Ronnie Turner, sadly passed away in December after reportedly suffering from past health issues. Ronnie was a musician in the group Manufactured Funk, with Tina taking to her Instagram to announce the sad news.
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss was the dancing DJ who appeared on The Ellen Show. tWitch died in December 2022 at the age of 40.
Ellen Degeneres took to social media to remember her friends saying: 'I'm heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.'
Ruth Madoc
Actress Ruth Madoc, best known for starring in Hi-de-Hi!, sadly died at the age of 79 in December. A statement given to the PA news agency said: "It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much-loved client Ruth Madoc.
"Ruth passed away on the afternoon of Friday December 9 while in hospital following surgery for a fall she had earlier in the week, which had led her to have to withdraw from panto in Torquay."
Terry Hall
The Specials frontman Terry Hall sadly died at the age of 63 in December, following a short illness. The Specials confirmed the shocking news in a statement on social media.
Jo Mersa Marley
Musician Jo Mersa Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, sadly passed away unexpectedly on 27th December at 31-years-old. He is survived by his wife Qiara and their daughter Sunshine.
Maxi Jazz
Maxi Jazz, the lead singer of electronic band Faithless, has died aged 65. The musician, whose real name was Maxwell Fraser, was a core member of the group alongside Rollo and Sister Bliss who released a number of hit tracks together including Insomnia and We Come 1.
Pele - Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Brazil football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known globally as Pele, sadly passed away at the age of 82 in December, with his daughter Kely confirming the sad news on social media. Following his death, tributes poured in from across the world for one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Dame Vivienne Westwood
Fashion icon Dame Vivienne Westwood sadly passed away at the age of 81 in December, dying peacefully surrounded by her family in Clapham, South London.
Barbara Walters
On the 30th December, it was announced that Barbara Walters had died aged 93. She was the first female co-host of TV show Today, and the first evening news anchorwoman in broadcast history, She was also co-creator and co-host of topical chat show The View.
Former Pope Benedict
On the 31st December, it was announced that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had died at the age of 95. A statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: 'With pain I inform that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be released as soon as possible.'