Latest news with #AnnenbergFoundation
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
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.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Wallis Annenberg dies at 86: Family, legacy, and net worth of the LA philanthropist
Wallis Annenberg, one of Los Angeles' most influential philanthropists, died Monday morning at her home. She was 86. According to the Los Angeles Times, her family said the cause was complications from lung cancer. Annenberg ran the Annenberg Foundation for nearly 20 years. She had held the top positions of chair, CEO, and president, overseeing approximately $1.2 billion in assets. The foundation, started by her father, media mogul Walter Annenberg, played a major role in funding education, the arts, environmental efforts, and civic projects across the region. Wallis Annenberg dies at 86.(Instagram/ annenberggenspace) Who was Wallis Annenberg? Wallis was Walter Annenberg's only daughter. He built a publishing empire that included TV Guide and Seventeen. After selling the company to Rupert Murdoch in 1988, he launched the Annenberg Foundation. Wallis worked at TV Guide early on and later stepped in at the foundation after her father died in 2002. By 2009, she had full control. She widened its mission. Her focus was not just on media or education-it was local. L.A. local. She pushed for parks, animal shelters, beach access, senior centers, and more. Her major establishments included the Community Beach House in Santa Monica, the GenSpace in Koreatown, and the wildlife crossing in Agoura Hills. Also read: Miami philanthropists donate an American masterpiece to Britain's Tate Modern What was Wallis Annenberg's net worth? According to the Los Angeles Times, she did not discuss her personal fortune extensively, but the foundation's assets were publicly known: approximately $1.2 billion. Under her watch, about $1.5 billion was donated to groups across L.A. County. She also made personal gifts. A few examples: $75 million for the performing arts center that now carries her name in Beverly Hills. $50 million to USC. $10 million to LACMA. Family and what's next Wallis was once married to Dr. Seth Weingarten. They divorced in 1975. She had four children: Lauren, Gregory, Charles, and Roger Weingarten. Three of them-Lauren Bon, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, and Charles Annenberg Weingarten-are all involved in the foundation and will continue its work. Lauren is an artist. Gregory paints. Charles makes documentaries and runs She also leaves behind five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. FAQs When did Wallis Annenberg die? She died on July 28, 2025, at her home in Los Angeles. How much money did she oversee? Roughly $1.2 billion in Annenberg Foundation assets. Who are her children? Lauren Bon, Gregory, Charles, and Roger Annenberg Weingarten. Was she married? She was divorced from Dr. Seth Weingarten. What is she known for? Leading the Annenberg Foundation and funding key public spaces in L.A.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg known for her work in the arts, sciences dies at 86
Wallis Annenberg, the billionaire philanthropist who supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles, died Monday, her family said. She was 86. Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. "Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortable this morning to her new adventure," the statement said. "Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever." Her children and co-directors of the Annenberg Foundation, Lauren Bon, Gregory Weingarten and Charles Weingarten, released a statement saying their mother's generosity will lift people up for "many generations to come." "To the public, she was a dynamic force in philanthropy, to us, she was a mother, grandmother, friend, mentor, and a force of nature whose life and family remain committed to honoring public service," the statement said. Her name adorns institutions across the Los Angeles area, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest bridge for animals on the move, will open next year over an LA freeway. Mayor Karen Bass said Annenberg's passing affects more than just LA. Bass said that her impact helped transform the city in "profound and lasting ways." "Put simply — Los Angeles is stronger because of her," Bass said. "Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service. My thoughts are with the Annenberg family during this difficult time." During her 16-year tenure as president and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, the nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California, the Times reported. Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation expanded its philanthropic scope beyond media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare. Gov. Gavin Newsom also released a statement saying she was a "visionary who believed not just in a better world but a kinder one." He added that she was committed to helping people connect with each other and her work helepd fund medical research, economic development and environmental protection. "California is better for all that she did, and for her enormous heart and unbelievable generosity," Newsom said. "Jen and I join all those mourning this remarkable woman, but know that her legacy is carried on by her family, the work she accomplished, and the people she empowered to create a better world." Her father, Walter Annenberg, started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and other publications, in 1989 to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Walter Annenberg died in 2002. Wallis Annenberg was a longtime board member of LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA. In 2002, she gave $10 million to endow LACMA's director position. "Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community," said LACMA Chief Executive Michael Govan, who filled that endowed position in 2006. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s after marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten. The couple divorced in 1975. Wallis Annenberg received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden for her life in philanthropy. She is survived by four children and five grandchildren.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Wallis Annenberg, billionaire philanthropist who backed arts, science and other causes, dies at 86
Wallis Annenberg, right, presents Elizabeth Taylor, center, and Sylvester Stallone with Devereux Foundation Awards at a ceremony, Thursday, July 12, 1984, Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, file) LOS ANGELES — Wallis Annenberg, the billionaire philanthropist who supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles, died Monday, her family said. She was 86. Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. 'Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortable this morning to her new adventure,' the statement said. 'Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever.' Her name adorns institutions across the Los Angeles area, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest bridge for animals on the move, will open next year over an LA freeway. During her 16-year tenure as president and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, the nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California, the Times reported. Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation expanded its philanthropic scope beyond media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare. Her father, Walter Annenberg, started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and other publications, in 1989 to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Walter Annenberg died in 2002. Wallis Annenberg was a longtime board member of LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA. In 2002, she gave $10 million to endow LACMA's director position. 'Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community,' said LACMA Chief Executive Michael Govan, who filled that endowed position in 2006. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s after marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten. The couple divorced in 1975. Wallis Annenberg received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden for her life in philanthropy. She is survived by four children and five grandchildren. The Associated Press
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wallis Annenberg, billionaire philanthropist who backed arts, science and other causes, dies at 86
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wallis Annenberg, the billionaire philanthropist who supported the arts, science, education and animal welfare causes over decades in Los Angeles, died Monday, her family said. She was 86. Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. 'Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortable this morning to her new adventure,' the statement said. 'Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever.' Her name adorns institutions across the Los Angeles area, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest bridge for animals on the move, will open next year over an LA freeway. During her 16-year tenure as president and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, the nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California, the Times reported. Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation expanded its philanthropic scope beyond media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare. Her father, Walter Annenberg, started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and other publications, in 1989 to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Walter Annenberg died in 2002. Wallis Annenberg was a longtime board member of LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA. In 2002, she gave $10 million to endow LACMA's director position. 'Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community,' said LACMA Chief Executive Michael Govan, who filled that endowed position in 2006. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s after marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten. The couple divorced in 1975. Wallis Annenberg received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden for her life in philanthropy. She is survived by four children and five grandchildren. The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
