Who Is Peter Shaw?
Peter Shaw was a British-born actor, Hollywood agent, and television producer who played a significant yet often understated role in classic film and television history. While many people recognize his name because of his long and loving marriage to legendary actress Angela Lansbury, Peter Shaw had a respected career of his own behind the scenes of the entertainment industry.
Best known as a producer of the iconic television series Murder, She Wrote, Shaw worked for decades in Hollywood as an actor, talent agent, and studio executive. His life story is closely intertwined with family, service during World War II, and a behind-the-camera influence that helped shape some of television’s most enduring successes.
Peter Shaw Age, Birth, and Early Life
Peter Shaw was born Peter Shaw Pullen on June 24, 1918, in Reading, Berkshire, England. He grew up in pre-war Britain, a time marked by economic hardship and political uncertainty across Europe. By the time he reached adulthood, the world was on the brink of World War II, a conflict that would shape the course of his early life.
Shaw served in the British Army during World War II, an experience that instilled discipline and resilience. Like many men of his generation, military service interrupted his early career ambitions, but it also prepared him for leadership roles later in life.
Peter Shaw lived to the age of 84, passing away in 2003.
Peter Shaw Father, Family Background, and Siblings
Publicly available records about Peter Shaw’s father and early family life are limited. Unlike many modern celebrities, Shaw lived much of his early life away from media attention. His parents were British, and he was raised in England, but there is no widely documented information about his father’s profession or the names of his siblings.
Similarly, details about Peter Shaw’s brother and sister (if any) have not been confirmed in reliable public sources. Shaw maintained a relatively private personal life, especially regarding extended family members, which explains the scarcity of such information.
Peter Shaw’s Early Acting Career
After World War II, Peter Shaw transitioned into acting, finding work in British cinema before moving to Hollywood. He appeared in several films during the late 1930s and 1940s, including:
- Sons of the Sea (1939)
- The Exile (1947)
- Forever Amber (1947)
While Shaw was a capable actor, his on-screen career never reached the level of stardom enjoyed by some of his contemporaries. Recognizing where his true strengths lay, he gradually moved away from acting and into more influential roles behind the scenes.
From Actor to Hollywood Agent and Executive
Peter Shaw reinvented himself as a Hollywood talent agent, a move that would define much of his professional success. He worked with the prestigious William Morris Agency, representing some of the most prominent actors of the era.
Later, Shaw joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as an assistant head of production. In this role, he helped manage scripts, casting, and studio logistics, gaining deep insight into how the film industry operated at its highest levels.
This combination of creative understanding and business acumen would later prove invaluable when he became a television producer.
Peter Shaw and Angela Lansbury: A Legendary Partnership
How Peter Shaw Met Angela Lansbury
Peter Shaw met Angela Lansbury in the late 1940s, when both were navigating the pressures of Hollywood fame. Lansbury was already a rising star, while Shaw was working behind the scenes in the industry.
They married on August 12, 1949, beginning a partnership that would last more than five decades—an extraordinary achievement in Hollywood.
A Marriage Built on Support
Their marriage is often cited as one of Hollywood’s most stable and loving unions. Shaw played a crucial role in managing and supporting Lansbury’s career, often acting as a stabilizing force amid the pressures of fame.
Angela Lansbury later described her marriage to Peter Shaw as deeply fulfilling, crediting him with helping her balance family life and professional success.
Peter Shaw Married To: His Marriages Explained
Peter Shaw was married twice:
- First Marriage – to Mercia Lydia Squires
- They had one son together, David Shaw.
- Second Marriage – to Angela Lansbury (1949–2003)
- This marriage lasted until Shaw’s death and produced two children.
Peter Shaw Kids and Children
Peter Shaw was the father of three children:
- David Shaw – from his first marriage
- Anthony Pullen Shaw – son with Angela Lansbury
- Deirdre Angela Shaw – daughter with Angela Lansbury
Anthony Pullen Shaw
Anthony followed his parents into the entertainment industry and became a successful television director and producer. He directed dozens of episodes of Murder, She Wrote, often working closely with his mother.
Deirdre Angela Shaw
Deirdre chose a more private life and stayed largely out of the public eye. While rumors and misinformation occasionally circulate online regarding her death or funeral, Deirdre Shaw is alive, and there is no credible evidence of a funeral connected to her.
Peter Shaw Grandchildren and Extended Family
Through his children, Peter Shaw became a grandfather several times. Angela Lansbury confirmed in later interviews that she and Shaw had grandchildren and great-grandchildren, though the family generally kept them out of the public spotlight.
This commitment to privacy helped protect younger generations from media scrutiny.
Peter Shaw Movies and Television Work
While Peter Shaw’s acting credits were limited, his production legacy is substantial.
Murder, She Wrote
In 1987, Shaw co-founded Corymore Productions with his sons. The company co-produced Murder, She Wrote, one of the most successful mystery television series of all time.
The show ran for 12 seasons and made Angela Lansbury one of the most recognizable television stars in the world. Shaw’s role as a producer ensured high production standards and long-term success.
Peter Shaw Net Worth
There are no verified public records stating Peter Shaw’s exact net worth. However, several factors indicate that he lived comfortably:
- Senior executive roles at MGM
- Long career as a Hollywood agent
- Co-producer of a top-rated television series
- Marriage to Angela Lansbury, one of the highest-earning actresses of her era
While exact figures remain unknown, Shaw was financially secure and professionally respected.
Peter Shaw Cause of Death
Peter Shaw passed away on January 29, 2003, in Los Angeles, California.
The cause of death was congestive heart failure.
Angela Lansbury stepped away from professional commitments during his final months to care for him, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
Funeral of Peter Shaw and Related Rumors
Peter Shaw Funeral
Details about Peter Shaw’s funeral were kept private, in keeping with the family’s preference for discretion. No widely published public memorial details exist.
Lansbury’s Daughter Funeral Rumors
Online searches often include phrases such as “lansbury’s daughter funeral Peter Shaw” or “daughter Deirdre funeral Angela Lansbury’s daughter Peter Shaw.” These are false or misleading queries. Deirdre Shaw did not pass away, and there is no connection between her and Peter Shaw’s funeral.
Peter Shaw’s Legacy
Peter Shaw may not have sought fame, but his influence on Hollywood is undeniable. As a producer, agent, and supportive partner, he helped shape a television classic and supported one of the most celebrated actresses in entertainment history.
His life represents the importance of those who work behind the scenes—individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed but are essential to lasting success.
Final Thoughts
Peter Shaw’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and quiet influence. From wartime service to Hollywood boardrooms, from acting roles to television production, and from personal devotion to professional excellence, Shaw lived a full and meaningful life.
His legacy continues through Murder, She Wrote, his children, and the enduring admiration for Angela Lansbury—an admiration made possible, in part, by the man who stood beside her for more than 50 years.
This detailed biography is proudly presented for readers of moviesmod, where classic cinema and television history continue to live on.