Billionaire Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg Dies at 86 After Lung Cancer

Wallis Annenberg, the influential Los Angeles philanthropist who died at 86 from lung cancer complications, left a profound legacy supporting the arts, education, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and the LGBTQ+ community. As president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, she oversaw donations totaling about $1.5 billion, funding numerous cultural and scientific institutions including the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest animal bridge. Despite her public generosity, her final days were marred by a bitter legal dispute between her children and her longtime partner Kris Levine, with allegations of overmedication and isolation that were denied by the Levine family. Annenberg's contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and AIDS charities, long overlooked, have been highlighted by journalist Karen Ocamb, who also shared memories of her semi-closeted life and activism. Annenberg's impact extended beyond philanthropy; she was a cultural and community leader who used her influence to advance causes and foster inclusivity, often quietly supporting struggling LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizations during a time of stigma. Her death prompted reflections on both her public achievements and the private complexities surrounding her final days.