If there’s one thing Murder, She Wrote fans have in common, it is a deep and abiding respect for Angela Lansbury and the fictitious character, Jessica Fletcher, that she portrays on the television show. When Lansbury died in 2022, local fans placed wreaths on the Blair House Inn, which appears as Jessica’s home in the show. The following year the Kelley House Museum held a reception inside the Inn in tribute and asked guests to share stories of how the show had touched them. These stories are a reminder of Lansbury’s legacy, and the impact Jessica Fletcher had on many.

Movie set in front of a historical house and fence

Angela Lansbury filming Murder, She Wrote in Mendocino, 1988. Kelley House Collection.

“I watched as a young girl, often as my mom did house cleaning. As an adult, after I married and began trying to start a family, I was met with some unexpected obstacles. After several years of unsuccessful IVF treatments, I began to try to make peace with a childless future. I made a list of strong women I admired who happened to not have children. Jessica Fletcher was at the top of my list. I rewatched every episode at that time. Then, a year later, I rewatched every episode again, during my pregnancy. I became pregnant thanks to another ‘childless’ woman I admired–my sister–who became my savior egg donor. She is here with me today. XO Malory Marlatte Voith.”

“I began watching the show my senior year of high school (1985 graduate) and continued to watch through college. I loved seeing a female who was so much smarter than the men around her yet wasn’t cocky. I did a career in federal law enforcement with the US Marshals Service. Channeling my inner ‘Jessica’ helped through tough situations over the years. I am retired now and so very grateful to come attend this festival. It feels like a tribute to better times in this world. The Blair House has been a wonderful respite from a crazy world.”

“I have loved Angela Lansbury since I was about twelve- Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Court Jester, and, of course, Murder, She Wrote. I used to watch episodes with my Grandma and I love all these memories I have of us bonding over Angela <3. – Melissa Nelson”

“Five generations now have watched this wonderful show. From Grandma to my granddaughter who is 3. We love this show! Fav episode— ‘If it’s Thursday, It Must Be Beverly.’ – Debbie, Alejandoro, & Athena (3)”

“Best quote: ‘Now, I may be wrong, but I doubt it!’ All her fashions were perfect.”

“My Nana passed away when I was 7. But before that she and I would watch Murder, She Wrote as our before-bed show. When she passed it was my happy show to watch and remember my Nana.”

“In the ‘Deadly Lady’ episode I love when Jessica tells Amos he’s full of ‘clam dip’ – also the whale sweater is a masterpiece of nautical fashion! – Anne”

“I have been living a mile away from Peter S. Fisher, creator/writer of Murder, She Wrote, and I didn’t know it until after he died- UGH. But I did get to sit in Angela’s director chair at his home’s open house. – Joann M.”

“Watching Murder, She Wrote with my Grandma as a child. She always knew who the murderer was before me, and it would make me so mad. Little did I know the murderer always slipped up and said something only the killer would know! I’m wise now! – Shelbie Morris”

“I am a new MSW fan but I’m currently listening to an Audible of the “Aloha Betrayed” story. I love the Sherlock episode as I’m an actress with Baker Street West in Jackson, CA! Aloha, Debra. I hope to come back next year and promise to binge on all MSW episodes beforehand! :)” 

“I saw Angela Lansbury perform on Broadway in A Little Night Music. She was Superb!”

Learn more about the filming of Murder, She Wrote in these books available at the Kelley House Museum and online:

 

A pop-up exhibition on Angela Lansbury is on view at the Kelley House Museum; we’re open Thursday-Monday 11-3. Subscribe to the Kelley House newsletter for info on next year’s Murder, She Wrote Festival. This event is an unofficial event and is not associated with NBCUniversal.