'Murder, She Wrote' trivia and fun facts

Angela Lansbury was the fourth choice to play Jessica Fletcher. Jean Stapleton was offered the part but turned it down, as did Doris Day.

Jessica had four brothers and sisters. However, the only one that was seen was her brother Marshall, who was a doctor. Another brother, Martin, was also mentioned but never seen.

Jessica's maiden name was McGill, taken from Angela Lansbury's real-life mother, Moyna McGill.

In season 1 episode four the chiefs apartment was also the apartment in the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'Vertigo'.