Anna de Peyster, Author and Second Wife of Rupert Murdoch, Dies at 81

Hollywood Reporter

by Mike Barnes

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Anna de Peyster, the second wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and mother to his three children—Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James—has passed away at the age of 81 after a lengthy illness. Born Anna Maria Torv in Glasgow, Scotland, she moved to Australia as a child and later worked her way up through the Daily Mirror before marrying Murdoch in 1967. After their divorce in 1999, de Peyster went on to marry William Mann, who passed away in 2017, and later Ashton de Peyster, who survives her along with her children and 10 grandchildren. During her marriage to Murdoch, de Peyster served as a member of the News Corp. board from 1990-1998, showcasing her influence in media and business circles. Beyond her personal life, she was also an accomplished author, publishing three novels—*In Her Own Image*, *Family Business*, and *Coming to Terms*. Her career and contributions reflect a woman deeply involved in both the media industry and philanthropy, supporting causes such as children’s health care through organizations like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Albert Schweitzer hospital in Haiti. De Peyster’s life story is intertwined with the Murdoch dynasty, making her passing a significant event for those following the family’s history. Her legacy is marked not only by her roles as a mother and author but also by her dedication to journalism and philanthropy. For readers interested in entertainment and media, her influence through her children—Elisabeth Moss (co-founder of Sister Pictures), Lachlan Murdoch (CEO of Fox Corp.), and James Murdoch (founder of Newey Media)—underscores the lasting impact she had on both her family and the industries they now lead. Her life serves as a testament to a multifaceted career and a deeply personal journey that continues to resonate in the worlds of media, business, and philanthropy.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/20/2026