Wallis Annenberg, a prominent philanthropist and heiress to the Annenberg media fortune, has died at the age of 86. Known for her deep commitment to education, the arts, social justice, animal, and environmental causes, Annenberg led the Los Angeles-based Annenberg Foundation for over three decades, transforming it into one of the most influential charitable organizations in the nation. Annenberg’s impact on Southern California was profound.
She funded landmark projects such as the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, and the nearly completed Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, amongst many other projects. Most recently, the Annenberg Foundation was the administrator for the allocation and distribution of $100 million in FireAid funds. Wallis Annenberg was the daughter of Walter Annenberg, who made his fortune in publishing, most notably TV Guide. She is survived by her children and grandchildren. Plans for a public memorial have not yet been announced.