President Michael D. Higgins Congratulates Angela Lansbury on Lifetime Achievement Award
Date: Sun 21st Feb, 2016 | 09:15
"On behalf of the Irish people it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Angela Lansbury on this most richly deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.
The range of her great and diverse talent has found its expression in all forms of the theatre and screen. Recognised by critics and by her peers as one of the great actresses of our age with an Olivier Award, Tony Awards and an Honorary Oscar, Angela Lansbury truly enjoys the status of icon. The great longevity of her career has meant that new generations have continued to be enriched by the great breadth of her artistic gift.
In her personal life too, her commitment to progressive social causes has been consistent and admirable. As Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in the early 1990s I deeply appreciated Angela’s public support to our efforts to develop the Irish film and television industry. Her deep love for Ireland and her commitment to our creative sector is so deeply appreciated by the Irish people and it is especially appropriate that Dublin should bestow this Lifetime Achievement Award on you.
Unfortunately, Sabina and I cannot be with you in person today, but be assured that we are with you in solidarity and in spirit, and we are proud that Angela Lansbury is celebrated not only as a global film star, but also as a great Irish actress."