Celebrated Los Angeles philanthropist Wallis Annenberg dies at 86
Publishing heiress and billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, a longtime supporter of the arts, wildlife, education and the elderly through her family foundation, died July 28 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 86.
Annenberg's death was confirmed by the Annenberg Foundation. The cause was complications of lung cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The heiress of her father Walter Annenberg's publishing empire, Wallis Annenberg worked for her father's company, Triangle Publications, which included titles such as TV Guide. She stepped in as vice president of her family's charitable foundation following her father's death in 2002, and as chair after the death of her stepmother, Leonore, in 2009.
For more than 20 years, Annenberg oversaw more than $3 billion in charitable grants and donations to projects, many of which bear her name. They include the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center in Exposition Park and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, affectionately known as "The Wallis."
Robert van Leer, executive director & CEO of The Wallis, said in a statement that Annenberg believed in the capacity of the arts to unite people from all walks of life and bring about meaningful change.
"In honoring her memory, we commit to continuing her work by championing diverse voices and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences," van Leer said. "Her vision will continue to inspire us as we carry forth her mission at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts."
The world's largest wildlife crossing: The Wallis Annenberg Crossing, a historic highway overpass for animals that cost nearly $100 million, is almost done
Annenberg also contributed to the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which claims to be the world's largest, spanning 10 lanes on the 101 Freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains. The overpass will allow wildlife to cross freely above one of the nation's busiest highways.
In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Wallis Annenberg's leadership transformed the city in profound and lasting ways.
"There are unhoused Angelenos sleeping inside because of her. There are young people throughout the city expanding their horizons and exposure to the arts and sciences in new and exciting ways because of her," Bass said. "There are institutions, museums, as well as public spaces like beaches and parks that are enhanced and improved because of her.
"Put simply ‒ Los Angeles is stronger because of her. Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service."
Gov. Gavin Newsom described Annenberg as a visionary who believed not just in a better world, but in a kinder one.
"She worked on broader societal issues, including funding medical research, economic development, and environmental protection, but she deeply believed in supporting the American right to the pursuit of happiness," Newsom said in a statement. "She was always determined to find new ways to help people achieve a better, more joyful quality of life, and above all else, to help people connect with each other."
Wallis Annenberg is survived by four children and five grandchildren.
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USA Today
28-07-2025
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Celebrated Los Angeles philanthropist Wallis Annenberg dies at 86
Wallis Annenberg used her family's publishing-industry fortune to help transform the arts, research, social issues and the environment around LA. Publishing heiress and billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, a longtime supporter of the arts, wildlife, education and the elderly through her family foundation, died July 28 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 86. Annenberg's death was confirmed by the Annenberg Foundation. The cause was complications of lung cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported. The heiress of her father Walter Annenberg's publishing empire, Wallis Annenberg worked for her father's company, Triangle Publications, which included titles such as TV Guide. She stepped in as vice president of her family's charitable foundation following her father's death in 2002, and as chair after the death of her stepmother, Leonore, in 2009. For more than 20 years, Annenberg oversaw more than $3 billion in charitable grants and donations to projects, many of which bear her name. They include the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center in Exposition Park and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, affectionately known as "The Wallis." Robert van Leer, executive director & CEO of The Wallis, said in a statement that Annenberg believed in the capacity of the arts to unite people from all walks of life and bring about meaningful change. "In honoring her memory, we commit to continuing her work by championing diverse voices and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences," van Leer said. "Her vision will continue to inspire us as we carry forth her mission at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts." The world's largest wildlife crossing: The Wallis Annenberg Crossing, a historic highway overpass for animals that cost nearly $100 million, is almost done Annenberg also contributed to the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which claims to be the world's largest, spanning 10 lanes on the 101 Freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains. The overpass will allow wildlife to cross freely above one of the nation's busiest highways. In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Wallis Annenberg's leadership transformed the city in profound and lasting ways. "There are unhoused Angelenos sleeping inside because of her. There are young people throughout the city expanding their horizons and exposure to the arts and sciences in new and exciting ways because of her," Bass said. "There are institutions, museums, as well as public spaces like beaches and parks that are enhanced and improved because of her. "Put simply ‒ Los Angeles is stronger because of her. Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service." Gov. Gavin Newsom described Annenberg as a visionary who believed not just in a better world, but in a kinder one. "She worked on broader societal issues, including funding medical research, economic development, and environmental protection, but she deeply believed in supporting the American right to the pursuit of happiness," Newsom said in a statement. "She was always determined to find new ways to help people achieve a better, more joyful quality of life, and above all else, to help people connect with each other." Wallis Annenberg is survived by four children and five grandchildren.
New York Times
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