News Summary
Wallis Annenberg, a prominent philanthropist and influential figure in Los Angeles, has died at 86 after a battle with lung cancer. A dedicated advocate for education, arts, and animal welfare, Annenberg’s contributions included substantial donations to the Annenberg Foundation, USC, UCLA, and numerous community projects. Her death has garnered recognition from various public figures, reflecting her significant impact on the Los Angeles community. Annenberg leaves behind a legacy and a commitment to improving lives through her philanthropic endeavors.
Los Angeles – Wallis Annenberg, a celebrated philanthropist and influential figure in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 86 after battling lung cancer. She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family and loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of charitable contributions that have made a considerable impact on the community.
Annenberg was the heiress to her father Walter Annenberg’s publishing empire, known for television listings magazine TV Guide. Following her father’s death in 2002, Wallis Annenberg took on the role of president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. Established in 1989 after the sale of TV Guide to Rupert Murdoch, the foundation has awarded approximately $1.5 billion to various organizations and nonprofits in Los Angeles County during her tenure.
Her philanthropic work was especially focused on the realms of arts and education. Annenberg made a landmark $120 million donation to establish the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1993. She further contributed $50 million for the construction of Wallis Annenberg Hall at USC, which was completed in 2014. Another significant contribution included a $53 million donation aimed at enhancing school reform through the Los Angeles Metropolitan Project.
In addition to her support for education, Annenberg was instrumental in funding various initiatives at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), including the development of a new soccer stadium. She also led the development of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, which opened its doors in 2013, showcasing a range of performers. Annenberg personally contributed over $75 million toward this center.
Wallis Annenberg’s philanthropic reach extended beyond education and the arts. She established the Wallis Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Her commitment to wildlife conservation is exemplified by the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a significant project in Agoura Hills that is slated to open in 2026. Annenberg was also a passionate advocate for animal welfare, having supported the creation of the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, which opened in 2017, focusing on the rehabilitation of “unadoptable” animals.
Annenberg also initiated the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace in Koreatown, a center designed for seniors that promotes community engagement and lifelong learning. Additionally, she served on the board of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where she contributed $10 million to fund the museum’s director’s position.
The breadth of her contributions extended to environmental initiatives and medical research, emphasizing her commitment to a diverse range of causes. In recognition of her formidable philanthropic efforts, Annenberg was awarded the 2022 National Humanities Medal by President Biden.
Wallis Annenberg is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her death has elicited acknowledgments from various public figures, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, highlighting her significant influence and contributions to the greater Los Angeles community.
As an iconic figure in philanthropy, Annenberg’s work will continue to impact the lives of many in the region, reflecting her unwavering commitment to improving education, the arts, animal welfare, and community spirit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg Passes Away
Tribute to Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg in Beverly Hills
Sharona Nazarian Sworn In as Beverly Hills’ First Jewish-Iranian Mayor
The Great Elephant Migration Art Installation in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Hosts Life-Size Elephant Sculpture Exhibit
Great Elephant Migration Exhibition Concludes in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Council Continues Hearing on Controversial Development
Beverly Hills to Host ‘Gatherings’, a Featured Dance Event
Beverly Hills to Showcase Life-Size Elephant Sculptures
Beverly Hills Announces New Performing Arts Season
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Wallis Annenberg
- ABC7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wallis Annenberg
- Variety
- Google News: Wallis Annenberg
- USA Today
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, 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 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
