Prunella Scales, Fawlty Towers icon and comedy legend, dies aged 93
The Fawlty Towers actress has died, her family have confirmed in a statement.
Prunella Scales, the actress best known for her starring role in Fawlty Towers, has died aged 93.
In a statement released by her sons Samuel and Joseph West to the PA news agency, they said: "Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93.
"Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.
"Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024."
It continues: "She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
"We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love."
Scales was best known for playing Sybil Fawlty, the wife of John Cleese's Basil Fawlty.
Throughout her career, she also starred in Alan Bennett's A Question of Attribution, for which she received a BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, and became known for the heartwarming show Great Canal Journeys, which she helmed with her late husband Timothy West.
Throughout the series, Scales and West spoke openly about her vascular dementia diagnosis, which she received in 2014.
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, said: "All of us at BBC Comedy are so sorry to hear of Prunella Scales’ passing. She was a national treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty lit up screens and still makes us laugh today.
"We send our love and condolences to her family and friends."
On the news of her death, Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO at Dementia UK, said: "We're sorry to hear that Prunella Scales has died having lived with vascular dementia. We send our condolences to her family and hope they are receiving the support they need at this difficult time.
“Prunella and her late husband Timothy West helped raise vital awareness of dementia, especially through their television series, Great Canal Journeys, which will have undoubtedly encouraged others to reach out for the support they need.
"Families affected by dementia can visit dementiauk.org/get-support for information resources and to find out how to access our national Helpline and Clinics services. Our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses can provide guidance and support on all stages of dementia, including grieving for a loved one."
Read more: Prunella Scales on Fawlty Towers and why TV sitcoms were her "least favourite form of work" | Radio Times
Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
