Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury are two iconic women who have made a huge impact on the entertainment industry. Both women have had long and successful careers in the world of music and acting, and have become beloved by fans all over the world. In this article, we will delve into the lives and careers of Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury, and explore some interesting facts about these talented women.
Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer who is best known for her powerful voice and her hit songs such as “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever.” She was born on January 8, 1937 in Cardiff, Wales, and began singing at a young age. Bassey’s big break came in 1955 when she was discovered by a talent scout and signed a recording contract. Since then, she has released numerous albums and singles, and has performed all over the world.
Angela Lansbury, on the other hand, is an English-American actress who is best known for her roles in films such as “The Manchurian Candidate” and “Murder, She Wrote.” She was born on October 16, 1925 in London, England, and began her acting career in the early 1940s. Lansbury has won multiple awards for her work in film, television, and theater, and is considered one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Now, let’s explore 8 interesting facts about Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury:
1. Shirley Bassey has performed three James Bond theme songs
Shirley Bassey is the only artist in the history of the James Bond franchise to have recorded three theme songs for the iconic spy series. Her most famous Bond theme song is “Goldfinger,” which was the theme song for the 1964 film of the same name. She also recorded “Diamonds Are Forever” for the 1971 film of the same name, and “Moonraker” for the 1979 film of the same name.
2. Angela Lansbury has won five Tony Awards
Angela Lansbury is a highly acclaimed actress who has won five Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. She won her first Tony Award in 1966 for her performance in the musical “Mame,” and went on to win four more Tony Awards for her roles in “Dear World,” “Gypsy,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “Blithe Spirit.”
3. Shirley Bassey was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II
In 2000, Shirley Bassey was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her contribution to the music industry. This honor is one of the highest awards that can be given to a British citizen, and is a testament to Bassey’s talent and success as a singer.
4. Angela Lansbury has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1960, Angela Lansbury was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry. The star is located at 6623 Hollywood Boulevard, and is a lasting tribute to Lansbury’s talent and achievements as an actress.
5. Shirley Bassey has sold over 135 million records worldwide
Shirley Bassey is one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 135 million records sold worldwide. Her powerful voice and dramatic performances have earned her a legion of fans all over the world, and her music continues to be popular to this day.
6. Angela Lansbury has been nominated for three Academy Awards
Angela Lansbury has been nominated for three Academy Awards for her work in films such as “Gaslight,” “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” and “The Manchurian Candidate.” Although she has yet to win an Oscar, Lansbury’s talent and versatility as an actress have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following.
7. Shirley Bassey has performed for royalty and world leaders
Shirley Bassey’s talent and charisma have made her a favorite performer for royalty and world leaders. She has performed for Queen Elizabeth II multiple times, as well as for other members of the royal family. Bassey has also performed for world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and President Bill Clinton.
8. Angela Lansbury is a Disney Legend
In 1991, Angela Lansbury was named a Disney Legend by the Walt Disney Company in recognition of her voice acting work in Disney animated films. Lansbury provided the voice of Mrs. Potts in the classic animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” and her performance is considered one of the highlights of the film.
Now, let’s move on to some common questions about Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury:
1. What is Shirley Bassey’s real name?
Shirley Bassey’s real name is Shirley Veronica Bassey.
2. How many children does Angela Lansbury have?
Angela Lansbury has two children, Anthony and Deirdre.
3. What was Shirley Bassey’s first hit song?
Shirley Bassey’s first hit song was “Banana Boat Song,” which was released in 1957.
4. How many seasons did “Murder, She Wrote” run for?
“Murder, She Wrote” ran for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996.
5. What is Angela Lansbury’s net worth?
Angela Lansbury’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million.
6. What is Shirley Bassey’s most successful album?
Shirley Bassey’s most successful album is “The Shirley Bassey Singles Album,” which was released in 1975 and reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.
7. How many Oscars has Angela Lansbury won?
Angela Lansbury has been nominated for three Oscars, but has not won any.
8. What is Shirley Bassey’s signature song?
Shirley Bassey’s signature song is “Goldfinger,” which she performed as the theme song for the 1964 James Bond film of the same name.
9. How many Tony Awards has Angela Lansbury won?
Angela Lansbury has won five Tony Awards for her work on Broadway.
10. What is Angela Lansbury’s most famous film role?
Angela Lansbury’s most famous film role is probably her performance as Mrs. Iselin in the 1962 film “The Manchurian Candidate.”
11. What is Shirley Bassey’s nationality?
Shirley Bassey is Welsh.
12. What is Angela Lansbury’s age?
Angela Lansbury was born on October 16, 1925, so she is currently 96 years old.
13. Has Angela Lansbury ever done voice acting?
Yes, Angela Lansbury provided the voice of Mrs. Potts in the Disney animated film “Beauty and the Beast.”
14. What genre of music is Shirley Bassey known for?
Shirley Bassey is known for singing a variety of genres, including pop, soul, and jazz.
15. What is Angela Lansbury’s most famous TV role?
Angela Lansbury’s most famous TV role is probably her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in the long-running series “Murder, She Wrote.”
In conclusion, Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury are two incredibly talented and accomplished women who have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Their powerful voices, versatile acting skills, and undeniable charisma have earned them legions of fans and critical acclaim throughout their long and successful careers. Whether it’s Shirley Bassey’s iconic Bond theme songs or Angela Lansbury’s award-winning performances on stage and screen, these two women have left an indelible mark on the world of music and acting. Their talent and achievements will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Final Thoughts: Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury are true legends in the world of entertainment, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their talent and charisma. From Shirley Bassey’s powerful voice to Angela Lansbury’s versatile acting skills, these two women have captivated audiences all over the world with their performances. As we continue to celebrate their contributions to music and acting, it’s clear that Shirley Bassey and Angela Lansbury will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere.