Prunella Scales, the celebrated actress known for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the iconic British comedy Fawlty Towers, has passed away at the age of 93. Her family announced that she died peacefully at her home in London. This tragic news comes after a long battle with dementia.
Legacy of Prunella Scales
Prunella Scales enjoyed a distinguished acting career that spanned nearly 70 years. Despite her diagnosis of vascular dementia in 2013, she remained in her home and was watching Fawlty Towers the day before her death. Her two sons, Samuel and Joseph West, shared the remembrance of their mother with touches of warmth and reminiscence.
Her Role in Fawlty Towers
In Fawlty Towers, which aired in 1975 and 1979, Scales portrayed the domineering and exasperated wife of Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese. The show, a collaboration between Cleese and his then-wife Connie Booth, featured only 12 episodes yet remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in British television history.
- Show Creation: Created by John Cleese and Connie Booth.
- Character: Sybil Fawlty, known for her sharp tongue and wit.
- Main Cast:
- John Cleese as Basil Fawlty
- Connie Booth as Polly
- Andrew Sachs as Manuel
Career Highlights
Beyond her iconic television role, Scales featured in early films, notably a 1952 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and the 1954 comedy Hobson’s Choice. Additionally, she played Queen Elizabeth II in A Question of Attribution, which explored the life of art adviser Anthony Blunt. Her versatility was also showcased in the one-woman show An Evening with Queen Victoria.
Personal Life
Prunella Scales was married to fellow actor Timothy West for 61 years until his passing in November 2024 at the age of 90. West was known for his performances in Shakespearean roles and popular UK soap operas.
Final Years and Legacy
Scales’s final public project with her husband was the travel show Great Canal Journeys, which aired from 2014 to 2019. The program was praised for its candid portrayal of her struggle with dementia.
Family Survivors
Prunella Scales leaves behind her two sons, stepdaughter Juliet West, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her contributions to the arts and memorable performances will continue to be celebrated by audiences and fans around the world.
