American Theatre Wing to honor Angela Lansbury at fall gala

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Angela Lansbury, who officially became a "dame" last December, has five Tony Awards, a hit American television show and decades on the stage in New York and London under her belt. The American Theatre Wing will recognize her achievements at its annual gala this September.

"Angela Lansbury's contributions to the American Theatre are incalculable and her advocacy on behalf of the Wing unmatched," Heather Hitchens, the executive director of the American Theatre Wing, said in a statement. "We are incredibly honored to pay tribute to all that she has done to elevate the art form that we care so deeply about."

Lansbury garnered mainstream success with her starring role in the 1980s TV series, Murder, She Wrote, though her extensive Broadway credits include Gore Vidal's The Best Man, Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, Mame and Dear World. She's picked up a few Oscar nods, too, for her work in Gaslight, The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Manchurian Candidate.

The 88-year-old actress has served on the board of the American Theatre Wing since 2010.

[Broadway World, LA Times, Broadway.com]