British actress Prunella Scales, renowned for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died at the age of 93. She passed away peacefully at her home in London on Monday, surrounded by her family. Her sons, Samuel and Joseph, confirmed her death to the U.K.’s PA Media news agency, expressing gratitude for the care she received in her final days. They noted that Scales spent her last hours watching episodes of the beloved sitcom.
The family’s statement highlighted her comfort and contentment in her final moments. “We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life,” they shared. Scales had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, leading to her retirement from acting after a remarkable career spanning nearly seven decades.
Remembering a Television Icon
John Cleese, who co-created Fawlty Towers and starred as her on-screen husband, Basil Fawlty, paid tribute to Scales in a statement to the BBC. “Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect,” Cleese said. “She was a very sweet lady, who spent a lot of her life apologizing. I used to tease her about it. I was very, very fond of her.”
Born in Surrey, England, in 1932, Scales began her career in theater as an assistant stage manager in 1951. Her first significant television role came in the 1960s sitcom The Marriage Lines. However, it was her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty that brought her international acclaim. The show aired just 12 episodes between 1975 and 1979 but has since been celebrated as one of the greatest British television programs of all time, according to a 2000 survey by the British Film Institute.
Reflecting on her iconic character, Scales once explained to the Hollywood Reporter that Sybil’s frustration stemmed from her realization that she had “landed with an upper-class twit for a husband.” Yet, she acknowledged that beneath Sybil’s apparent annoyance with Basil, there remained a thread of genuine affection.
A Life of Acclaimed Performances
Beyond her role in Fawlty Towers, Scales enjoyed a prolific career across various media, including television, film, and theater. Her credits include the 1980s series Mapp & Lucia and notable films such as Howards End and Wolf. Her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in the 1991 television play A Question of Attribution earned her a BAFTA nomination. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was awarded a CBE in 1992.
Scales was married to actor Timothy West from 1963 until his passing in November 2024. The couple co-starred in Channel 4’s Great Canal Journeys from 2014 to 2019, showcasing their enduring partnership on-screen.
She is survived by her two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The legacy of Prunella Scales will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans and colleagues who cherished her talent and warmth.
