Angela Lansbury's Spirit and Star Power Burn as Bright as Ever
Actress Angela Lansbury (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Charles McNulty
LOS ANGELES TIMES
As gracious and unpretentious as her Brentwood home, Angela Lansbury radiated hospitality as she ushered me into her living room, where her honorary Oscar sits as casually as a figurine placed on a table while a kettle was whistling.
Flowers sent from around the world to mark her 89th birthday spilled out of vases, some browning, a few wilting, though the majority still paying bright homage to one of the most beloved stars in the business.
"Just a few dead flowers to make you feel better," she vamped in a cockney accent not unlike her Mrs. Lovett character from "Sweeney Todd." "Poor little things left over from the birthday." The words "so lovely" float by on a sigh.
The doors overlooking the property were kept open to admit a breeze during our afternoon conversation about her sterling career and plans to reprise her performance in Noël Coward's "Blithe Spirit" at the Ahmanson Theatre (beginning previews Tuesday). This prompted a warning that our interview might be interrupted by scampering "little critters." Apparently, Lansbury has a rat problem in her backyard, though there would be no standing on furniture or cries of "Eek!" from the consummately self-possessed British-born actress.
Her attitude isn't one of blithe unconcern but uncomplicated directness. There's a bracing practicality to her manner. When her personal assistant came into the room carrying my coffee, she hovered uncertainly. Lansbury, seeing that she was trying to figure out where to serve the refreshment, moved a heavy table closer to where I was sitting before I even knew what she was doing.
This display of physical strength and agility shouldn't have surprised me. While other near-nonagenarians may be content with Sudoku and naps in front of the TV, she's about to kick off the North American tour of a knockabout British comedy, having already conquered New York and London with the play.
Lansbury really doesn't need to be doing this. Her beauty may be ageless, but eight shows a week is a tough haul for someone half her age.