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Wallis Annenberg, billionaire philanthropist known for her work in the arts and sciences dies at 86

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  Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg supported several causes, including the arts, science, education and animal welfare.


Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, Champion of Arts, Environment, and Community, Dies at 84 in Los Angeles


Los Angeles, CA – Wallis Annenberg, the renowned philanthropist whose transformative giving reshaped cultural, environmental, and social landscapes across Southern California and beyond, has passed away at the age of 84. Her death was confirmed by the Annenberg Foundation, the organization she led with visionary zeal for decades. Annenberg, often described as a force of nature in the world of philanthropy, leaves behind a legacy marked by bold initiatives that touched millions of lives, from revitalizing public spaces to advancing animal welfare and medical research.

Born on July 15, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wallis Huberta Annenberg was the only child of media mogul Walter H. Annenberg and his first wife, Veronica "Ronnie" Dunkelman. Her father, the founder of TV Guide and a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, built a vast fortune through publishing and broadcasting. However, it was Wallis who would take the family's philanthropic mantle to new heights after inheriting control of the Annenberg Foundation following her father's death in 2002. Under her stewardship, the foundation grew into one of the nation's most influential charitable entities, distributing over $6 billion in grants since its inception in 1989, with a significant portion directed toward causes close to her heart.

Annenberg's approach to philanthropy was deeply personal and hands-on. She once remarked in an interview that giving was not just about writing checks but about "creating spaces where people can connect, heal, and thrive." This philosophy was evident in her landmark projects in Los Angeles, where she made her home for much of her adult life. One of her most celebrated contributions was the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, which opened in 2013 after a $30 million donation from her foundation. Housed in the historic Beverly Hills Post Office, the center has become a vibrant hub for theater, dance, and music, hosting world-class performances and educational programs that make the arts accessible to diverse audiences. Annenberg's vision transformed a derelict building into a cultural beacon, symbolizing her belief in the power of art to foster community and understanding.

Beyond the arts, Annenberg's environmental advocacy was profound and far-reaching. A passionate animal lover, she directed substantial funds toward wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. In 2015, she spearheaded the creation of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, a groundbreaking $90 million project designed to provide safe passage for mountain lions and other species threatened by urban sprawl. This overpass, set to be the largest of its kind in the world upon completion, underscores her commitment to bridging the divide between human development and natural ecosystems. "We can't keep building without considering the creatures we share this planet with," she said during the project's groundbreaking ceremony. Her efforts extended to marine conservation as well, with grants supporting research on ocean health and sustainable fishing practices through partnerships with institutions like the University of Southern California (USC).

Education was another cornerstone of Annenberg's philanthropic empire. She invested heavily in programs that empowered underserved communities, particularly in journalism and media literacy. As the daughter of a publishing titan, she understood the critical role of informed storytelling in democracy. The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at USC benefited immensely from her largesse, receiving endowments that funded scholarships, research centers, and innovative curricula. One notable initiative was the Wallis Annenberg Initiative for a Fair and Just Society, which focuses on addressing systemic inequalities through media and policy reform. Her foundation also supported public broadcasting, ensuring that quality journalism remained accessible in an era of misinformation.

Annenberg's impact on health and human services was equally significant. She was a major benefactor to medical research, particularly in areas like genomics and personalized medicine. In 2017, she donated $20 million to establish the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, a senior center in Los Angeles aimed at combating isolation among the elderly through intergenerational programming. This facility, blending technology, wellness, and social activities, reflected her forward-thinking approach to aging in a rapidly changing world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her foundation stepped up with emergency grants to support frontline workers and vulnerable populations, demonstrating her responsiveness to immediate crises.

Throughout her life, Annenberg navigated personal challenges with resilience. Her parents' divorce when she was young, followed by her father's remarriage to Leonore "Lee" Annenberg, shaped her early years. She married three times—first to Seth Weingarten, with whom she had four children: Lauren Bon, Gregory Weingarten, Charles Weingarten, and Roger Weingarten; then to real estate developer Robert Friedland; and finally to telecommunications executive Roger Ailes, though that union was brief. Despite these ups and downs, she remained devoted to her family, often involving her children and grandchildren in foundation activities. Her son, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, serves as a vice president of the foundation, ensuring continuity in her mission.

Annenberg's influence extended into civic life, where she was a fixture in Los Angeles' elite circles. She served on boards for organizations like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), where her donations helped expand collections and outreach. Her $10 million gift to LACMA in 2011 funded the acquisition of key artworks, enriching the city's cultural fabric. She was also a staunch supporter of women's rights and gender equity, funding programs that advanced female leadership in various fields.

Colleagues and beneficiaries alike remember Annenberg as a dynamic leader with an unyielding drive. "Wallis didn't just fund projects; she inspired them," said a longtime associate at the foundation. "Her energy was infectious, and she always pushed for innovation." Environmentalist and filmmaker Cousteau once praised her as "a guardian of the wild," highlighting her role in protecting endangered species.

In recent years, Annenberg faced health challenges but remained active in her philanthropic pursuits. Her passing marks the end of an era for Los Angeles philanthropy, but her legacy endures through the institutions and initiatives she championed. The Annenberg Foundation, with assets exceeding $1.5 billion, will continue under the guidance of her family and board, perpetuating her vision of a more compassionate and connected world.

Tributes poured in from across the spectrum following the announcement of her death. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called her "a true icon whose generosity transformed our city." USC President Carol Folt noted, "Wallis Annenberg's impact on education and innovation will resonate for generations." Even in death, Annenberg's work continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound difference one person's dedication can make.

Annenberg's life was a testament to the power of purposeful giving. From the bustling stages of performing arts centers to the quiet corridors of wildlife crossings, her contributions have woven a tapestry of progress and hope. As Los Angeles mourns her loss, it also celebrates the enduring gifts she bestowed upon the community she loved so dearly. She is survived by her four children, numerous grandchildren, and a global network of grateful beneficiaries whose lives she enriched immeasurably.

In reflecting on her extraordinary journey, one can't help but recall her own words: "Philanthropy isn't about legacy; it's about lifting others up today." Wallis Annenberg did just that, and her light will shine on through the countless lives she touched.

Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/philanthropist-wallis-annenberg-dies-los-angeles/ ]