Wallis Annenberg, a renowned philanthropist whose contributions helped shape Los Angeles, passed away on Monday at the age of 86. Annenberg, who died from complications related to lung cancer, left a lasting legacy through her extensive charitable work and leadership of the Annenberg Foundation. Her name is prominent across Los Angeles, with landmarks such as the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
Annenberg’s philanthropic efforts extended beyond the arts and education to include animal welfare and environmental conservation. Under her leadership, the Annenberg Foundation distributed approximately $1.5 billion to various organizations, significantly impacting Los Angeles County. The foundation’s assets are estimated to be around $1.2 billion, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Her commitment to the arts was evident through her founding of the Annenberg Space for Photography and her support for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Annenberg’s vision also extended to education, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Annenberg’s influence reached into political and social realms, with her foundation supporting a variety of causes, including left-of-center political groups. According to InfluenceWatch, she initiated programs like PledgeLA and AnnenbergTech to promote diversity and inclusion in Los Angeles’ tech sector.
Born in Philadelphia on July 15, 1939, Annenberg was the daughter of Walter Annenberg, a media mogul and philanthropist. She moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s and became deeply involved in the city’s cultural and social fabric. Despite her public profile, Annenberg was known for her private nature and dedication to her family.
Annenberg’s contributions to Los Angeles and beyond will be remembered for their breadth and impact, as she consistently sought to innovate and improve the well-being of communities. Her legacy continues through the numerous projects and institutions she supported throughout her lifetime.
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