Moyna Macgill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moyna Macgill
Macgill in 1945
Born	Charlotte Lillian McIldowie (1895-12-10)10 December 1895 Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Died	25 November 1975(1975-11-25) (aged 79) Los Angeles, California, United States
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1920–1964
Spouse(s)	Reginald Denham ​ ​ (m. 1919; div. 1924)​ Edgar Lansbury ​ ​ (m. 1924; died 1935)​
Children	Isolde Denham Angela Lansbury Bruce Lansbury Edgar Lansbury
Relatives	Tamara Ustinov (granddaughter) Malcolm Turnbull (distant nephew)

Moyna Macgill (born Charlotte Lillian McIldowie; December 10, 1895 – November 25, 1975) was a talented Irish actress from Belfast. She was the mother of famous actress Angela Lansbury. Her sons, Edgar and Bruce Lansbury, became successful producers. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Ireland's greatest film actors.

Early Life and Beginnings

Moyna Macgill was born Charlotte Lillian McIldowie in Belfast. Her father, William McIldowie, was a wealthy lawyer. He was also a director of the Grand Opera House in Belfast. This connection to the theater sparked Moyna's interest in acting from a young age.

A Rising Star

When Moyna was a teenager, a director named George Pearson noticed her. He saw her riding the London Underground and cast her in some of his films. In 1918, she made her first stage appearance in a play called Love is a Cottage. This was at the West End theatres Globe Theatre in London.

She was encouraged to change her name to Moyna Macgill. She quickly became a leading actress of her time. Moyna appeared in many different types of plays. These included comedies, dramas, and classic stories. She acted alongside famous actors like John Gielgud.

With her daughter Angela Lansbury (1951)

Moyna married actor Reginald Denham and had a daughter named Isolde. Later, she married Edgar Lansbury, who was a politician. After they married, Moyna and Edgar settled in London with Isolde.

Moyna paused her acting career for a while after her daughter Angela was born. She also had twin sons, Edgar Jr. and Bruce. Both sons later became producers. Bruce is well-known for his work on TV shows like Mission: Impossible and his sister's show Murder, She Wrote.

Even though Moyna was busy with her family, music and dance were a big part of their home. When they moved to a larger house, she made it a gathering place for artists. Actors, writers, directors, and musicians often visited. These visitors greatly influenced young Angela, guiding her towards an acting career.

Family Life and Moving to America

Moyna Macgill's daughter, Angela Lansbury, became a very famous actress. Angela starred in many musicals and films. She is perhaps best known for her long-running TV series Murder, She Wrote.

In 1935, Moyna's husband, Edgar Lansbury, passed away from stomach cancer. After this, Moyna faced a difficult time. She moved her family to a new house in Hampstead with another person. However, the living situation became very challenging.

Just before The Blitz (heavy bombing of London during World War II), Moyna saw a chance to take her children to the United States. She secretly moved them away one night for their safety. In New York City, Moyna could not work in movies or on stage right away. This was because she did not have a special work permit called a work visa. So, she earned money by giving dramatic readings at private schools.

In 1942, Moyna joined a theater group. They were performing a play to raise money for the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the tour ended in Vancouver, she traveled to Hollywood to find acting work. She soon sent for Angela, and later, her twin sons joined them. The family settled in Laurel Canyon, California.

Hollywood Career

In Hollywood, Moyna Macgill mostly played small but memorable roles. She appeared in films and on television. Some of her notable film roles include Frenchman's Creek and The Picture of Dorian Gray. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, she even acted alongside her daughter Angela.

Later in her career, Moyna made guest appearances on popular TV shows. These included The Twilight Zone, Dr. Kildare, and My Favorite Martian.

Later Life and Passing

Moyna Macgill passed away in Los Angeles in 1975 at the age of 79.

Roles

Film Roles

Stage Roles

• The Way (1928)

Images for kids

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  Moyna MacGill, Irene Ryan, Florence Bates and Margaret Hamilton, in Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven (1948)