“Fawlty Towers Star Prunella Scales Passes Away at 93”
Prunella Scales, renowned for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the iconic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, has passed away at the age of 93. Her family confirmed her death, noting she died peacefully at her home in London.
Legacy of an Acclaimed Actress
Prunella Scales, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013, had a remarkable acting career spanning nearly 70 years. Despite her condition, she remained at home and watched Fawlty Towers just a day before her passing. She was married to fellow actor Timothy West for 61 years, who passed away in November 2024.
Family and Personal Life
- Survived by two sons, Samuel and Joseph.
- Leaves behind one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
- Acknowledged the care provided by her caregivers during her final days.
Early Life and Career
Born in Surrey in 1932, Scales developed her passion for acting early. Her mother was an actress, while her father worked as a cotton salesman. She began her career at the Bristol Old Vic theatre, where she faced skepticism about her chosen profession.
Notable Roles and Achievements
Before her fame in Fawlty Towers, Scales appeared in various films and television shows. She gained recognition in the 1960s with her role in The Marriage Lines beside Richard Briers. Her portrayal of the domineering Sybil in Fawlty Towers, which aired from 1975 to 1979, remains her most memorable work.
Scales also received acclaim for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s A Question of Attribution, earning a BAFTA nomination in 1992. Additionally, she became a familiar face in Tesco advertisements for a decade.
Later Years
Between 2014 and 2019, Scales, alongside West, presented Great Canal Journeys. This series showcased their journeys across canals in the UK and Europe. However, her health declined over the years, as noted by West in the final season, where he mentioned her deteriorating condition and loss of hearing.
Prunella Scales leaves behind an enduring legacy in the world of acting, remembered not only for her iconic roles but also for her spirited personality that endeared her to audiences. Her contributions to television and theatre will not be forgotten.
