Prunella Scales, the revered British actress best known for her iconic role as Sybil Fawlty in the classic BBC sitcom “Fawlty Towers,” has died peacefully at her home in London at the age of 93. Her family announced her passing on October 27, 2025, with her sons Samuel and Joseph West saying she died peacefully following a long battle with dementia.
Born as Prunella Rumney Ingworth on June 22, 1932, Scales adopted her mother’s maiden name for her professional career. She trained at London’s Old Vic Theatre School and New York’s Herbert Berghof Studio, embarking on a distinguished acting career that spanned nearly seven decades. Her early film credits include “Pride and Prejudice” (1952) and “Hobson’s Choice” (1954), showcasing her versatility from the start.
However, it was the character of Sybil Fawlty—the no-nonsense, sharp-tongued wife of Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese—that cemented her place in television history. “Fawlty Towers,” which aired for just two six-episode series in 1975 and 1979, remains one of the funniest and most beloved British sitcoms worldwide. The perfectionist yet exasperated Sybil became emblematic of Scales’ talent for blending comedy with subtle depth.
Scales’ sons revealed touching details about her final days: “She was watching ‘Fawlty Towers’ the day before she died,” they said, underscoring her lifelong connection to the role that brought her immense acclaim. Despite dementia forcing her early retirement in 2013, Scales lived at home with care and dignity, supported by loving family and devoted caregivers.
Beyond “Fawlty Towers,” Scales demonstrated her range in dramatic roles, such as portraying Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s “A Question of Attribution” and taking on the title role in “An Evening with Queen Victoria.” From 2014 to 2017, she and her late husband, actor Timothy West, whom she married in 1963, co-hosted the travel series “Great Canal Journeys,” which openly chronicled her struggles with dementia, earning praise for its candid and sensitive portrayal.
Timothy West passed away in November 2024 after their 61-year marriage. Scales is survived by her two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Industry peers and fans worldwide mourned her passing. Writer and comedian John Lloyd, who worked with her, said, “She was the epitome of elegance and wit, managing to be both wonderfully stern and endlessly funny in her roles.”
Summary and Next Steps:
Prunella Scales leaves behind a vast legacy as one of Britain’s most cherished actresses. Her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty inspired multiple generations of viewers and comedians alike. As tributes continue to pour in, her sons have requested privacy to grieve. Looking ahead, her influence on British comedy and acting will endure, with reruns of “Fawlty Towers” continuing to entertain new audiences and her performances studied for their nuanced blend of humor and humanity.
