Angela Lansbury is now a Dame. The legendary actress of the stage, movies and television was named a Dame of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
The honor came during the latest round of the Queen’s New Year’s Honors List, reports the Associated Press. The 88-year-old star, who made her film debut 69 years ago, was among over 1,000 people who were honored by the Queen.
She was not the only actress to earn the title of Dame. Penelope Keith, who is best known for her role on the 1970s British sitcom The Good Life, also became a Dame.
According to the BBC, it was first time that the New Year’s Honors List had more women (611) than men.
“I'm joining a marvellous group of women I greatly admire like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, Lansbury said. “It's a lovely thing to be given that nod of approval by your own country and I really cherish it.”
This is the second major honor for Lansbury this year. She previously received a honorary Oscar for her contribution to film. She made her first movie, Gaslight, in 1944 and earned three Oscar nominations. Lansbury is also known for lending her voice to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and starring on TV’s Murder, She Wrote.
image: Wikimedia Commons
