Prunella Scales, Fawlty Towers icon and comedy legend, dies aged 93

Prunella Scales, the actress best known for her starring role in Fawlty Towers, has died aged 93.

Prunella Scales passed away peacefully at her London home yesterday at the age of 93, her sons Samuel and Joseph West announced in a statement to PA News Agency.

Despite being diagnosed with dementia, which led to her retirement after an incredible acting career spanning almost seven decades, she remained at home. She was even enjoying an episode of Fawlty Towers the day before her passing.

“Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024.”

It’s incredibly sad to learn of her passing. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy, survived by her two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. My heart goes out to them all.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who cared for Pru during her final days. Thanks to their kindness, she was comfortable, peaceful, and surrounded by love.

Scales was best known for playing Sybil Fawlty, the wife of John Cleese’s Basil Fawlty.

She also gained recognition for her role as Queen Elizabeth in Alan Bennett’s A Question of Attribution, earning a BAFTA nomination. Many viewers loved her as the host of the charming series Great Canal Journeys, which she co-hosted with her late husband, Timothy West.

During the show, Scales and West candidly discussed her diagnosis of vascular dementia, which she received back in 2014.

More to come.

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2025-10-28 15:18