Fawlty Towers Star Prunella Scales Dies at 93

LONDON, Oct 28 (Reuters) – British actress Prunella Scales, best known for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the iconic comedy show ‘Fawlty Towers,’ has died at the age of 93, her family confirmed.

Scales passed away peacefully at her home in London on Monday, her sons, Samuel and Joseph, reported. They stated that she was watching ‘Fawlty Towers’ just a day before her death. ‘Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93,’ they said in a statement to the PA news agency.

Diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, Scales’ health had diminished in recent years, yet she continued to reside comfortably at home. ‘Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home,’ her sons noted.

A beloved figure in British entertainment, Scales was married to fellow actor Timothy West for 61 years until his passing in November 2024. She is survived by her two sons, one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The family expressed gratitude to those who provided wonderful care during her final days, emphasizing that she was surrounded by love.

Originally from Surrey, Scales began her career as an assistant stage manager at the Bristol Old Vic, later appearing in various roles on television and stage. She rose to fame as Sybil Fawlty in ‘Fawlty Towers,’ which aired between 1975 and 1979. The show, co-created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, has since been celebrated as one of Britain’s best comedies.

In addition to her iconic role as Sybil, Scales earned a BAFTA nomination for playing Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett‘s ‘A Question of Attribution.’ She also starred in Channel 4’s ‘Great Canal Journeys’ alongside West.

Scales’ contributions to the arts were widely acknowledged, and she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1992. The legacy of her work in television and film continues to influence entertainers and captivate audiences today.