Ann Wedgeworth: Who She Is & Where She Is in 2026

Ann Wedgeworth: quick facts

Quick facts about Ann Wedgeworth:

Born: January 21, 1934

From: Abilene, Texas

Active years: 1960s–1990s

Known for: Lana Shields on Three's Company, Evening Shade

Status now: Deceased (November 16, 2017)

Real name: Elizabeth Ann Wedgeworth

Notable award: Tony Award for Chapter Two (1978)

Who is Ann Wedgeworth?

Ann Wedgeworth was an American character actress celebrated for her work on stage and television. According to public records and media profiles, she is best known for playing Lana Shields on the sitcom Three's Company (1977–1984), a role she took on in 1979. She also appeared in the sitcom Evening Shade alongside Burt Reynolds. Her career spanned several decades, and she earned critical acclaim for her stage work, including a Tony Award for her performance in the play Chapter Two. Her acting credits also include films such as Sweet Dreams and Steel Magnolias. Wedgeworth was regarded as a versatile performer who brought warmth and depth to her characters, making her a memorable figure in American television history.

Ann Wedgeworth's age, real name and background

Ann Wedgeworth was born Elizabeth Ann Wedgeworth on January 21, 1934, in Abilene, Texas, according to public biographical sources. She attended Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. Her parents were Cortus and Elizabeth Wedgeworth. She began her acting career in theater before transitioning to television and film. Wedgeworth studied acting at the University of Texas and later moved to New York City to pursue stage work. She was married multiple times, though details of her personal life are not widely publicized. She passed away on November 16, 2017, at the age of 83, after battling an illness. Her background as a Texas-born actress helped shape her down-to-earth, relatable on-screen persona.

Where is Ann Wedgeworth now in 2026?

Ann Wedgeworth passed away on November 16, 2017, at the age of 83, after a battle with an illness, as reported by multiple media outlets. She is no longer active in the entertainment industry. In 2026, her legacy continues through her body of work, including her memorable roles on Three's Company and Evening Shade. She is remembered fondly by fans of classic television. While she is no longer with us, her performances remain available on streaming platforms and in syndication. Her contributions to television and theater have left a lasting impact, and she is honored by those who appreciate her talent.

Ann Wedgeworth's net worth and career

Ann Wedgeworth's net worth is not publicly confirmed, and media outlets have not reported specific figures. Her career spanned over four decades, beginning in the 1960s with stage performances. She earned a Tony Award in 1978 for her role in Neil Simon's Chapter Two. On television, her most famous role was Lana Shields on Three's Company, a character she played from 1979 to 1980. She also starred in the sitcom Evening Shade from 1990 to 1994. Her film credits include Sweet Dreams (1985) and Steel Magnolias (1989). She continued to act in guest roles on shows like Designing Women and The Love Boat into the 1990s. Her career was marked by critical praise and steady work in Hollywood.

Sources & notes

This profile of Ann Wedgeworth is compiled from publicly available information, including Wikipedia, public media interviews, IMDb, public web search results. Figures such as net worth are widely reported estimates and are not officially confirmed. AI Angels is not affiliated with Ann Wedgeworth.

Last reviewed and updated: 2026-06-25. Compiled and fact-checked by the AI Angels editorial team from publicly available sources.