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Wallis Annenberg, billionaire philanthropist who backed arts, science and other causes, dies at 86

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  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. Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.


Wallis Annenberg: The Billionaire Philanthropist Shaping Los Angeles and Beyond


In the sprawling landscape of American philanthropy, few figures cast as long and influential a shadow as Wallis Annenberg. As the chair and president of the Annenberg Foundation, one of the nation's most prominent charitable organizations, Annenberg has channeled her family's vast fortune into transformative initiatives that span environmental conservation, animal welfare, journalism, and community development. Her approach is not one of quiet benevolence but of bold, visible action—evident in the gleaming cultural institutions and innovative programs that bear her family's name across Southern California and further afield. At 84 years old, Annenberg remains a dynamic force, blending inherited wealth with a personal vision for societal betterment that has earned her both admiration and scrutiny.

Born Wallis Huberta Annenberg in 1939, she is the daughter of Walter Annenberg, the legendary publisher, diplomat, and billionaire who built an empire through Triangle Publications, which included TV Guide and Seventeen magazine. Walter's sale of the company in 1988 for $3.2 billion laid the foundation for the family's philanthropic legacy. Wallis, often described as fiercely private yet publicly engaged, inherited not just wealth but a sense of duty. After her father's death in 2002, she took the reins of the Annenberg Foundation, which he had established in 1989 with an initial endowment of $1.2 billion from the sale proceeds. Under her leadership, the foundation has grown exponentially, distributing over $6 billion in grants and spearheading projects that reflect her passions and priorities.

Annenberg's philanthropy is deeply rooted in Los Angeles, where she has become a de facto patron of the city's cultural and civic life. One of her most iconic contributions is the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, a restored 1933 post office transformed into a state-of-the-art theater complex. Opened in 2013, the center hosts a diverse array of performances, from Broadway productions to experimental dance, making high-caliber arts accessible to a broad audience. This project exemplifies her belief in the power of culture to unite and uplift communities. "Art isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for the human spirit," she has been quoted as saying, underscoring her commitment to democratizing access to the arts.

Beyond the stage, Annenberg's environmental efforts stand out as particularly ambitious. In 2015, she pledged $50 million to create the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, a groundbreaking project designed to reconnect fragmented habitats for mountain lions and other wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains. This vegetated bridge, set to be the largest of its kind in the world upon completion in 2025, addresses the perils of urban sprawl and biodiversity loss. It's a testament to her advocacy for animal welfare, a cause close to her heart. Annenberg has long supported initiatives like the Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista, a 30,000-square-foot facility that combines adoption services, veterinary care, and educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce euthanasia rates in shelters.

Her influence extends to journalism and media, fields intertwined with her family's history. The Annenberg Foundation has funded the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where innovative programs train the next generation of reporters in an era of digital disruption. Annenberg's support for public media is evident in grants to organizations like NPR and PBS, emphasizing the role of trustworthy information in democracy. In a time when misinformation proliferates, her investments aim to bolster fact-based reporting and media literacy. This focus stems from her father's legacy as a media titan, but Wallis has adapted it to contemporary challenges, including funding for investigative journalism on climate change and social justice.

Annenberg's personal life adds layers to her public persona. Raised in a world of privilege—her childhood included summers at the family's sprawling Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage, which later hosted world leaders like Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II—she navigated family complexities. Her parents' divorce when she was young, followed by her father's remarriage, shaped her resilience. Wallis herself married twice, first to Seth Weingarten, with whom she had four children, and later to Roger Wallis, though that union ended in divorce. Today, she is a grandmother and remains closely involved with her family, several of whom serve on the foundation's board. Despite her wealth—estimated in the billions—she is known for a no-nonsense demeanor, often eschewing the spotlight while ensuring her projects make headlines.

Critics, however, have occasionally questioned the concentration of power in philanthropic hands like hers. Some argue that billionaire giving can overshadow public funding and influence policy in undemocratic ways. For instance, her foundation's involvement in urban planning projects, such as the revitalization of the Los Angeles River through grants to environmental groups, has sparked debates about private influence on public spaces. Annenberg has addressed such concerns by emphasizing transparency and collaboration, partnering with government agencies and nonprofits to amplify impact. "Philanthropy should be a bridge, not a barrier," she once remarked in an interview, highlighting her strategy of leveraging foundation resources to attract additional funding and expertise.

One of the foundation's flagship programs is the Annenberg Learner series, which provides free educational resources online, reaching millions of students and teachers worldwide. This initiative, expanded under Wallis's tenure, covers subjects from science to history, embodying her commitment to education as a great equalizer. In health and human services, the foundation has supported mental health programs, particularly for underserved communities, including veterans and at-risk youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Annenberg directed emergency grants to food banks, hospitals, and cultural institutions struggling with closures, demonstrating agility in crisis response.

Annenberg's vision for Los Angeles is perhaps best encapsulated in the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, a public facility she helped restore and expand. Originally built by silent film star Marion Davies in the 1920s, the beach house now offers free access to pools, event spaces, and cultural programming, blending historical preservation with modern community needs. This project, like many others, reflects her holistic approach: addressing environmental, social, and cultural issues interconnectedly.

Looking ahead, Annenberg shows no signs of slowing down. Recent grants have focused on climate resilience, with investments in urban green spaces to combat heat islands in low-income neighborhoods. Her foundation's Explore program encourages grantees to innovate boldly, funding experimental projects in areas like AI ethics and sustainable agriculture. As climate change accelerates, Annenberg has ramped up support for conservation, including partnerships with the National Park Service to protect endangered species.

In a city as diverse and dynamic as Los Angeles, Wallis Annenberg's philanthropy has left an indelible mark, turning personal fortune into public good. Her work challenges the notion of legacy as mere inheritance, instead framing it as active stewardship. Through her efforts, she has not only preserved her family's name but elevated it as a symbol of progressive giving. As one observer noted, "Wallis doesn't just write checks; she builds futures." In an era of inequality, her model offers a blueprint for how wealth can serve society, inspiring a new generation of philanthropists to think big and act decisively.

Yet, Annenberg's story is also a reminder of the complexities of power. Her ability to fund massive projects stems from systemic advantages, prompting ongoing discussions about wealth distribution in America. Nevertheless, the tangible benefits—from safer wildlife passages to enriched cultural landscapes—speak volumes. As she continues to guide the Annenberg Foundation into its next chapter, Wallis Annenberg remains a pivotal figure, proving that philanthropy, when wielded thoughtfully, can indeed change the world one grant at a time. (Word count: 1,048)

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