LA philanthropist Wallis Annenberg dies at 86

Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg dies at 86

Longtime Los Angeles philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, known for her sizable donations to local arts, education and animal welfare causes, died of lung cancer Monday at her Los Angeles home, the Los Angeles Times reported. She was 86.

LOS ANGELES - Wallis Annenberg, the longtime Los Angeles philanthropist known for her contributions to local arts, education and animal welfare causes, died on Monday. She was 86. 

What we know:

Annenberg, whose family name is synonymous with numerous prominent institutions across Los Angeles, passed away at her Los Angeles home due to complications from lung cancer.

Annenberg was the heir to her father Walter Annenberg's publishing empire and subsequently led the Annenberg Foundation, significantly broadening its philanthropic reach and distributing an estimated $1.5 billion to local organizations during her 16-year tenure.

 Annenberg is survived by her four children and five grandchildren.

The backstory:

Annenberg was born Wallis Huberta Annenberg in Philadelphia and grew up in Washington, D.C. 

She inherited her father Walter Annenberg's publishing empire, which notably included "TV Guide." After her father's passing in 2002, Annenberg took on the role of president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. 

This foundation was established by her father in 1989 following the sale of "TV Guide" and other assets to Rupert Murdoch. 

The nonprofit foundation currently holds assets estimated at about $1.2 billion.

Local perspective:

The Annenberg name is widely recognized throughout the Los Angeles area, gracing various institutions that reflect her family's extensive philanthropic contributions. 

These include the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace in Koreatown, the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center in Exposition Park, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills.

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Big picture view:

Under Annenberg's leadership, the Annenberg Foundation's philanthropic focus expanded beyond its initial emphasis on media, arts, and education to encompass vital areas such as animal welfare, environmental conservation, and healthcare. 

Over her 16 years at the foundation's helm, she oversaw the distribution of an estimated $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations and nonprofits based in Los Angeles County.

What they're saying:

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom called Annenberg 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. 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," he added.