Donna Langley, who hails from the Isle of Wight, has been made a Dame in the New Years Honours list.
As Chairperson of Universal Film Entertainment Group in Los Angeles and the first British woman to head up a major Hollywood studio, Donna Frances Langley-Shamshiri, 51, has been recognised for services to film and entertainment. She is to be made a Dame Commander of the Order of the Britsh Empire.
Donna attended schools at Lake and Carisbrooke before flying the nest, although she has never forgotten her home roots. Donna’s parents, John and Ann, still live in Newport.
Almost 28 years ago, Donna made her way to America and landed in Los Angeles where she started work as a hostess in a restaurant to support her unpaid internship at a literary agency. It was here she met some interesting connections and established a career path. For the past 18 years, Donna has been working for Universal – a giant in the world of TV and film. She was appointed chairperson earlier this year.
The citation on Donna’s honour reads:
“Donna Langley is recognised for her exceptional contribution to the film and entertainment industry as the first British female citizen to lead a major Hollywood studio.
“As the Chairperson of Universal Film Entertainment Group, she is responsible for the global content strategy and business operations for the motion picture group. Ms. Langley oversees all production, marketing and distribution for film and television content across Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation (DWA) and Focus Features; as well as Universal Pictures International and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
“Throughout her life and career, Donna Langley has redefined global popular culture and sought to expand networks and opportunities for women and people of colour in the entertainment industry, while also championing organizations dedicated to providing access, networks and pathways to success, for all people”.
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Other people named as receiving Damehoods in this year’s New Years Honours include Olivia Newton-John OBE, Gillian Guy CBE and Diana Johnson MP.
