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Prunella Scales, one of Britain’s most cherished comic talents, has died at the age of 93. Best known for her iconic portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the BBC’s legendary sitcom Fawlty Towers, Scales passed away peacefully at her home in London, her sons Samuel and Joseph confirmed in a moving statement.
“She died peacefully at home yesterday,” they said. “She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”
Scales’ death comes just under a year after that of her husband, the esteemed actor Timothy West, who passed away at 90. The pair shared more than six decades of marriage and a deep passion for acting, which was beautifully captured in their BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys. Even as dementia began to take hold, Prunella’s warmth, humour, and resilience continued to shine through.
Born in 1932, Scales’ career spanned stage, film, and television, but it was as the sharp-tongued, witty Sybil, forever exasperated by John Cleese’s bumbling Basil Fawlty, that she cemented her place in British comedy history. Her timing, poise, and sheer brilliance helped make Fawlty Towers one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.
Tributes from colleagues and friends have poured in since the news broke. John Cleese, her Fawlty Towers co-star, described her as “a really wonderful comic actress” and “a very sweet lady.”
“How very sad,” Cleese said. “I’ve recently been watching a number of clips of Fawlty Towers whilst researching a book. Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect. She was very, very fond of everyone she worked with, and we were all very fond of her.”
Broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth also paid tribute, calling her “a funny, intelligent, gifted human being,” and sharing a touching photo of the actress taken last year alongside Queen Camilla and her late husband, Timothy West.
After Henry. Image shows from L to R: Eleanor Prescott (Joan Sanderson), Clare France (Janine Wood), Sarah France (Prunella Scales) - Credit: Copyright: Thames Television
The BBC’s Head of Comedy, Jon Petrie, 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.”
The Royal Shakespeare Company, where Scales began her acting journey in the 1950s, also shared their sorrow: “We are so sad to hear of the death of Prunella Scales. She appeared at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre near the beginning of her career, with roles including Juliet in Measure for Measure and Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice.”
Prunella Scales’ legacy stretches far beyond Fawlty Towers. She brought warmth and sophistication to every role, from A Question of Attribution to her later television appearances. Her courage in facing dementia publicly, while continuing to work and inspire, made her a symbol of grace and determination.
Fawlty Towers, Basil and Sybil in the kitchen – Credit: BBC
The Alzheimer’s Society paid tribute to that bravery. “We are deeply saddened by the news that Prunella Scales, a true British icon, has died,” said interim CEO Corinna Mills. “Her openness about living with dementia helped break down stigma and brought comfort to so many families.”
Prunella Scales leaves behind a body of work that will continue to bring joy to generations. Her humour, strength, and unforgettable voice will forever echo in the halls of British comedy.
