Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales dies, aged 93
The actress played Sybil in the popular 1970s sitcom
Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales, known for the role of Sybil in the show, has died aged 93.
The actress, who was the long-suffering wife of Basil Fawlty in the popular 1970s sitcom, died peacefully at home on Monday (October 27).
A statement from her family 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.
“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.”
Prunella had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013.
She also played Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s A Question of Attribution and, in 1973, teamed up with Ronnie Barker in the series Seven Of One, also for the BBC.
Her husband Timothy West, who died in November 2024, starred in TV shows such as comedy drama Brass, sitcom Not Going Out and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders.
