Govind Tekale
Wallis Annenberg, the philanthropist who reshaped Los Angeles through more than $1.5 billion in charitable grants and left her name on landmarks across the city, died peacefully on Monday from lung cancer complications. She was 86.
“Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortably this morning to her new adventure,” the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit.”
Philadelphia Roots to Los Angeles Legacy
Born July 15, 1939, in Philadelphia to media mogul Walter Annenberg, Wallis attended Pine Manor College and spent a year at Columbia University before marrying Seth Weingarten and relocating to Los Angeles. Her path to philanthropic leadership came later in life, stepping into the Annenberg Foundation’s vice presidency after Walter’s death in 2002, then succeeding her stepmother Leonore as chair and president in 2009.
Under her guidance, the foundation expanded beyond traditional arts and education funding into animal welfare, healthcare, environmental conservation, and senior services—all while maintaining its focus on Los Angeles communities.
Transforming the Los Angeles Landscape
The Annenberg name became synonymous with Los Angeles cultural institutions during her tenure. She funded the 2004 California Science Center’s Wallis Annenberg Building, designed by architect Thom Mayne as a reimagined armory. In 2009, she launched the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City, which operated until pandemic closures forced its permanent shutdown in 2020.
“Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community,” said Michael Govan, CEO of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where Annenberg provided substantial endowments.
Her recent projects reflected growing interests in aging, animals, and habitat preservation:
- The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace opened in 2017 in Playa Vista, focusing on rehabilitating animals previously considered “unadoptable” while offering a medical facility and care classes.
- GenSpace, a senior center launched in 2022 in Koreatown, broke conventions by offering belly-dancing classes, horticultural therapy sessions, and financial literacy workshops for older adults.
- The approximately $90-92 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing broke ground in 2022, with soil-laying milestones reached on March 31, 2025, and entering its second construction phase on June 25, 2025. The project remains on track for 2026 completion, creating what will be the world’s largest wildlife bridge over the 101 Freeway near Agoura Hills.
- A $5 million gift to USC in March 2025 will establish a new multimedia studio in Washington D.C., scheduled to open next month.
Fire Relief Efforts and Recent Controversy
Annenberg’s final year included both significant recognition and controversy. President Biden awarded her the National Humanities Medal in 2022, honoring decades of cultural patronage.
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Her foundation became central to Southern California wildfire relief efforts, establishing dedicated grant programs for elderly residents, foster youth, displaced workers, and affected pets. However, the Pacific Palisades Council issued a letter on May 15 questioning the distribution of FireAid’s $100 million fundraising effort, noting only three local grants. Records show FireAid disbursed an additional $25 million on June 4, bringing total distributions to approximately $75 million.
Press-Shy Philanthropist with Simple Pleasures
Despite her enormous wealth and influence, colleagues described Annenberg as surprisingly press-shy and family-oriented. Former U.S. Representative David Dreier told the Associated Press “There’s no one I’ve ever known who’s been more committed to Los Angeles and this region,” while Governor Gavin Newsom praised her vision for creating “a kinder world.”
In a statement, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said “There are unhoused Angelenos sleeping inside because of her. There are young people throughout the city expanding their horizons and exposure to the arts and sciences in new and exciting ways because of her.”
Those close to her noted her enjoyment of simple pleasures—watching football games with a martini in hand remained a favorite pastime throughout her later years.
Foundation’s Future
The Annenberg Foundation confirmed its work will continue under existing leadership. With approximately $1.2 billion in assets, it remains one of Los Angeles’ most significant philanthropic organizations.
The foundation’s current projects, including the wildlife crossing construction and the upcoming USC Washington D.C. studio opening, will proceed as planned.
Wallis Annenberg is survived by her children and grandchildren. The family has requested privacy and indicated memorial plans will be announced in the coming days.
