News Summary
Wallis Annenberg, a notable philanthropist renowned for her significant contributions to the arts, education, and animal welfare, has died at 86. She led the Annenberg Foundation, donating around $1.5 billion to various causes and leaving a lasting legacy in Los Angeles. Annenberg’s initiatives included the establishment of the Annenberg Space for Photography and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, highlighting her commitment to accessible cultural resources. Her family will continue her philanthropic work through the foundation.
Los Angeles – Wallis Annenberg, a prominent philanthropist renowned for her extensive charitable work and contributions to various sectors including the arts, education, and animal welfare, has passed away at the age of 86. Her family reported that she died at her home in Los Angeles from complications linked to lung cancer, transitioning “peacefully and comfortably” surrounded by her loved ones.
As the heiress to the publishing empire founded by her father, Walter Annenberg, Wallis took the helm of the Annenberg Foundation after her father’s death in 2002 and her stepmother’s passing in 2009. Under her leadership, the foundation, with assets approximating $1.2 billion, expanded its outreach to include initiatives focused on animal welfare, environmental conservation, and healthcare. Throughout her tenure, the Annenberg Foundation donated around $1.5 billion to numerous organizations and nonprofits primarily within Los Angeles County.
Wallis Annenberg was dedicated to making cultural resources accessible to the public. She established the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City, which opened in 2009 and showcased diverse exhibitions until closing in 2020 due to the pandemic. She held influential positions on the boards of major cultural institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Her significant contributions to LACMA included a $10 million donation to endow its director’s position in 2002.
Her philanthropic efforts were acknowledged by several prominent figures. LACMA’s Chief Executive praised her for substantially enhancing the community, while the former congressman David Dreier conveyed that her dedication to Los Angeles was unmatched. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted her vision, particularly in addressing societal issues and her commitment to improving individuals’ quality of life.
Throughout her life, Annenberg was instrumental in the establishment of various significant projects. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 2013, became a vital cultural hub in the region, showcasing a myriad of prominent artists and educational programs. Annenberg personally contributed over $75 million to this center. Additionally, she played a crucial role in the construction of Wallis Annenberg Hall at the University of Southern California, which opened in 2011 with a donation of $50 million aimed at supporting education.
The Wallis Annenberg Beach House and the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center were other notable contributions. The Annenberg Community Beach House was created to prevent private entities from overtaking a public space in Santa Monica. Furthermore, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, set to be the largest urban wildlife crossing globally, received support from a $1 million challenge grant in 2016 and an additional $25 million in 2021, aimed at ensuring safe wildlife passage across busy roads, with completion anticipated in 2026.
In addition to these efforts, she established the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in 2017 to rehabilitate and facilitate the adoption of animals. The Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, a senior center created in 2022 in Koreatown, was another initiative aimed at helping older adults find community and nurture their interests. After recent wildfires, the Annenberg Foundation also sponsored recovery efforts and aided local organizations in need.
Wallis Annenberg was born in Philadelphia and later moved to Washington, D.C., at the age of 10. She graduated from Pine Manor Junior College and attended Columbia University before marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten, with whom she had four children. Known for her family-focused nature, she cherished quiet evenings spent with her children and grandchildren. Although a public figure, Annenberg preferred to keep much of her personal life private.
In recognition of her extensive philanthropic contributions, Annenberg received the National Humanities Medal from President Biden in 2022. Following her passing, control of the Annenberg Foundation will transition to her three children, who will assume the roles of co-directors: Lauren Bon, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, and Charles Annenberg Weingarten. She is survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Wallis Annenberg
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Wallis Annenberg
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wallis Annenberg
- KTLA News
- Google News: Wallis Annenberg
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Variety
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
