Wallis Annenberg, billionaire philanthropist known for her work in the arts and 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.

"Wallis Annenberg was a remarkable person who transformed philanthropy in our Nation. Devoted to family and public service, she understood deeply that community is at the center of everything," former President Joe Biden wrote in a post to X. "Jill and I send our love and prayers to the entire Annenberg family. May God bless Wallis Annenberg, a trailblazer who was unlike any other."

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 helped 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.