There are so many ways to describe Angela Lansbury, but we know legendary and graceful are two of them. The actress began her career in theater before migrating to movies, snagging a contract with MGM. The company wanted to box her into one category: the "less appealing" supporting character who always comes second.

This is part of Lansbury's story that dedicated fans know too well because the actress spoke about it numerous times and exposed how acting in those films caused a drought in being cast in productions once MGM let her go.

However, Lansbury's talent would eventually lead her to a groundbreaking role in Murder, She Wrote, a murder mystery series that revolutionized television and provided a platform for actresses whose age limited their roles.

There weren't many popular shows centered around a woman older than 40, so when Murder, She Wrote came along, it opened a door of endless creativity and possibilities.

Viewers were captivated by Jessica Fletcher's crime-solving adventures in Cabot Cove. Her age was irrelevant, and she didn't conform to outdated stereotypes. They accepted the character as she was, and that's why it was a hit.

So, with MSW serving a massive new audience, it drew more attention to other genres to get in on the action. For example, The Golden Girls is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. It debuted in 1985, just one year after Lansbury's show, and follows the adventures of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia.

They're all mature women who know how to have a ball, drama and all. During the 177 episodes, viewers experienced many emotions with the previously married women who live together in Miami. People nationwide were tuned in to watch The Golden Girls.

Once again, this proved viewers enjoyed watching women of all ages star in productions.