Prunella Scales, beloved star of the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, has passed away at the age of 93. She died peacefully at her home in London, her sons Samuel and Joseph confirmed. Scales had been watching Fawlty Towers just a day before her death.
Her Iconic Role in Fawlty Towers
Scales achieved fame during her time on Fawlty Towers, which aired for two seasons from 1975 to 1979. She portrayed Sybil Fawlty, the formidable wife of John Cleese’s character, Basil Fawlty. The show, set in a quirky hotel in Torquay, Devon, became a hallmark of British comedy.
- Character traits: Sybil was known for her large hair, striking high heels, and commanding laugh.
- Plot setting: The series focused on the hotel’s mismanagement and the interactions with eccentric guests.
Early Career and Further Success
Born Prunella Margaret Rumney Illingworth in 1932, Scales started her career in the performing arts in 1951 at the Bristol Old Vic. Her breakthrough came in the 1960s with the sitcom Marriage Lines, alongside Richard Briers.
After Fawlty Towers, she starred in Mapp and Lucia, portraying Miss Elizabeth Mapp from 1985 to 1986, further solidifying her status in British television.
Personal Life and Legacy
Scales was married to actor Timothy West for 61 years until his passing in November 2024. They met during the filming of a BBC play in 1961, and their enduring partnership included many performances together. They had two sons: actors Samuel West and Joseph West.
In her extensive career, Scales also voiced Queen Victoria in various productions and appeared in the drama After Henry from 1988 to 1992. Her most recent performance involved a voice cameo in Queen, a stage adaptation that concluded its London run in 2024.
Health Challenges
Scales was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, leading to her retirement from acting. Her husband, Timothy West, shared insights about her journey in his recent memoir, Pru and Me.
She is survived by her two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of television and theatre.
