Heavyweights from across film, television and theatre have remembered the actor as “one of the last Golden Age of Hollywood stars” and a “Broadway and West End icon” following her death.
The Irish-British and American star, best known for her role as Jessica Fletcher in the drama series Murder, She Wrote, died peacefully in her sleep, her family said on Tuesday.
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Dame Angela Lansbury
David M. Benett via Getty Images
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Elaine Paige, Josh Gad and Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson were among those sharing memories of encounters with the renowned actress.
Catherine, who starred alongside Dame Angela in the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, said their time together will “forever be one of the joys of my life”.
In a post on Instagram, the Welsh actor wrote: “Dearest, Darling, Dame Angela Lansbury. May you Rest In Peace.
“Our Broadway double act will forever be one of the joys of my life. As the lights dim for you on ‘The Great White Way’ you shall glow forever in our heart. Love you Angela, Catherine.”
West End star Elaine Paige said Dame Angela was “always so kind and generous” when they had met.
“So upset to hear the news that the legendary Dame Angela Lansbury has died,” Elaine tweeted, sharing a picture of them together.
“One of the last Golden Age of Hollywood stars & a Broadway & West End icon.
“Always so kind & generous when I met her. She will be sadly missed. RIP dearest Angela.”
Josh Gad also shared a photo of himself with Dame Angela, saying that she had “touched four generations” with her work.
He said on Twitter: “It is rare that one person can touch multiple generations, creating a breadth of work that defines decade after decade. Angela Lansbury was that artist.
“From ‘Mame’ to ‘Bedknobs’ to ‘Murder She Wrote’ to ‘B&TB’ to ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ she touched 4 generations. RIP Legend.”
Jesse Tyler Ferguson recalled sitting next to her at the theatre and how they had struck up a lengthy conversation.
“I’ll never forget sitting next to Angela Lansbury at an opening night,” he tweeted.
“Even though I had to pee I refused to leave my seat during intermission. I spent the 15 minutes chatting with her instead.
“She was incredibly lovely and I’m so glad I had that brief time with her. RIP Angela.”
Many other stars paid tribute on social media...
A nod to Dame Angela’s iconic Beauty and the Beast role was featured in a tribute from the official Disney Animation Twitter account.
“We join the world in mourning Disney Legend Angela Lansbury, who brought such incredible warmth and personality to Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast,” it tweeted.
“Her unforgettable performance will forever be a classic.”
Dame Angela was the recipient of multiple awards, including six Tony Awards – recently earning a special lifetime achievement award at the ceremony in 2022.
Sharing a video of her 1969 lead actress in a musical acceptance speech, the Tonys official account described her as “the ultimate thespian”.
“To the ultimate thespian who hosted the Tony Awards more than anyone else and earned six #TonyAwards including a Special Tony for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre this past June, we’re deeply grateful.”
“We’ll miss you, Dame Angela Lansbury.”
RIP: Celebrities We Lost In 2022
APRIL(01 of20)
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Gilbert Gottfried (1955)
The comedian and actor known for his crude humor died "after a long illness" at age 67, his family said. (credit:Kevin Winter via Getty Images)
MARCH(02 of20)
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Taylor Hawkins (1972)
The legendary drummer of the Foo Fighters died at age 50 while on tour with his band in South America. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
MARCH(03 of20)
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William Hurt (1950)
Hurt, who died at age 71 after a battle with prostate cancer, won a Best Actor Oscar in for his role in 1985's "Kiss of the Spider Woman." (credit:Earl Gibson III via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(04 of20)
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Ivan Reitman (1946)
The filmmaker behind "Animal House," "Ghostbusters" and more died at age 75. (credit:Paul Harris via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(05 of20)
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Jamal Edwards (1990)
As founder of SB.TV, Jamal is credited with helping launch the careers of Stormzy, Ed Sheeran and Dave among countless other artists. He died following a short illness at the age of 31. (credit:Joseph Okpako via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(06 of20)
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Bamber Gascoigne (1935 – 2022)
The original University Challenge host was 87 when he died in February. Fellow quizmasters Stephen Fry and Victoria Coren Mitchell were among those to pay tribute. (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
JANUARY(07 of20)
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Moses J Moseley (1990 – 2022)
The U.S. actor's credits included "Watchmen" and, most notably, "The Walking Dead," which he appeared in multiple times between 2012 and 2015. (credit:Paul Archuleta via Getty Images)
JANUARY(08 of20)
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Leonard Fenton (1926 – 2022)
The late actor was best known to soap fans for playing Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders, making his final appearance in the soap in 2019. (credit:William Conran via PA Wire/PA Images)
JANUARY(09 of20)
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Cheslie Kryst (1991 – 2022)
Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was also a correspondent for the entertainment news show Extra, an attorney and activist. (credit:Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images)
JANUARY(10 of20)
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Barry Cryer (1935 – 2022)
As well as being known as a comedy legend in his own right, Barry Cryer wrote for the likes of The Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise and Bruce Forsyth over the course of his career. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
JANUARY(11 of20)
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Thierry Mugler (1948 – 2022)
A true icon of the fashion world, Mugler launched his fashion house in the 1970s and was a favourite of everyone from David Bowie, Lady Gaga and Cardi B to Grace Jones, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé. (credit:via Associated Press)
JANUARY(12 of20)
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Louie Andeson (1953 – 2022)
The Emmy-winning stand-up comic and actor appeared in Coming To America, Baskets and Life With Louie. (credit:Joe Scarnici via Getty Images)
JANUARY(13 of20)
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Meat Loaf (1947 – 2022)
The US rocker and music legend was known for hits including I'd Do Anything For Love, Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad and Bat Out Of Hell, as well as playing Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (credit:Bruce Glikas via Getty Images)
JANUARY(14 of20)
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André Leon Talley (1948 – 2022)
The fashion icon worked as a journalist for numerous publications, most notably serving as Vogue's editor-at-large. (credit:Cindy Ord via Getty Images)
JANUARY(15 of20)
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Nicholas Donnelly (1938 – 2022)
Nicholas' most famous role was as teacher Craig McKenzie in the children's series Grange Hill. He also appeared in the police drama Dixon Of Dock Green as Sergeant Johnny Wills. (credit:PA)
JANUARY(16 of20)
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Sean Rice (1972 – 2022)
The Canadian ice skater was introduced to a whole new audience when he became a professional skater on Dancing On Ice in 2011. During his two-year stint on the show he performed with TV legend Angela Rippon and Olympian Chemmy Alcott. (credit:Steve Meddle/Shutterstock)
JANUARY(17 of20)
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Ronnie Spector (1943 – 2022)
An icon of pop music and 1960s culture in general, Ronnie Spector made her name as the lead singer of The Ronettes, whose hits included Be My Baby, Baby I Love You and Walking In The Rain. (credit:Jordi Vidal via Getty Images)
JANUARY(18 of20)
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Gary Waldhorn (1943 – 2022)
Most well-known for playing councillor David Horton in the comedy The Vicar Of Dibley, Gary's other on-screen credits included Brush Strokes and Escape To Victory. (credit:Yui Mok via PA Wire/PA Images)
JANUARY(19 of20)
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Bob Saget (1956 – 2022)
The US comedy actor stand-up comic is best remembered for his role as Danny Tanner in the family sitcom Full House. He also lent his voice to How I Met Your Mother and presented America's Funniest Home Videos. (credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
JANUARY(20 of20)
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Sidney Poitier (1927 – 2022)
The groundbreaking star of films like Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, To Sir With Love and The Defiant Ones died in January 2022. He made history in 1963 when he became the first Black performer to be awarded Best Actor at the Oscars, an accolade he received for his role in Lillies Of The Field. (credit:Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)