Award-winning actress and Disney Legend Angela Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, at age 96. Best known to many as Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote, Angela also left an indelible mark on Disney fans through two classic roles that spanned generations.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Her First Disney Magic
Angela’s first Disney role came in 1971 as the apprentice witch Eglantine Price in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Already an Oscar-nominated film star and Tony Award-winning stage actress, she embraced the role with charm and heart. The film introduced several original songs by Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman, brought to life by Angela’s vibrant performance.
Becoming Mrs. Potts
In 1991, Angela returned to Disney to voice Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. Her warm, reassuring voice made the enchanted teapot one of the most beloved Disney characters. She debuted the film’s title song—written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken—in a single take with the New York Philharmonic. That version became the definitive performance and remains iconic to this day.
Beyond the Screen: A Lifelong Contribution to Disney
Angela continued her Disney journey in Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997), Fantasia 2000 (2000), and Kingdom Hearts II (2006). She also narrated the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along at EPCOT. Her final Disney appearance came in Mary Poppins Returns (2018), where she portrayed the Balloon Lady, leading the emotional finale, “Nowhere to Go But Up.”
A Storied Career of Stage and Screen
Born in London on October 16, 1925, Angela’s path to stardom began in 1944 with her Oscar-nominated debut in Gaslight. She earned two more nominations for The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). Over the decades, she appeared in more than 40 films, including The Harvey Girls and Blue Hawaii.
On Broadway, she dazzled audiences in Mame, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, and more. She collected five Tony Awards throughout her career and earned a Lifetime Achievement honor in 2022. Additionally, her television legacy includes 12 Emmy nominations for her role in Murder, She Wrote.
Honors and Disney Legacy
Angela was named a Disney Legend in 1995. She was honored as a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014. Where she received the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, and a CBE in 1994. Her impact on Disney storytelling, stage, and screen remains unmatched.
Angela Lansbury will always be remembered for the warmth, grace, and magic she brought to every role. Furthermore, her legacy continues to inspire generations. Angela Lansbury Disney Tribute
