Prunella Scales was a beloved British actress best known for her iconic role as Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. She passed away peacefully at home in London on 27 October 2025, aged 93.
Born Prunella Margaret Rumney Illingworth on 22 June 1932 in Surrey, Scales trained at the Old Vic Theatre School and began her career in 1951. Her early work included Hobson’s Choice (1954), Room at the Top (1958), and Waltz of the Toreadors (1962). She adopted her mother’s maiden name, Scales, as her stage name.
🎭 Career Highlights
- Fawlty Towers (1975–1979): Her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty, the sharp-tongued hotel manager opposite John Cleese’s Basil, became her most famous role. The series is considered one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms.
- After Henry (1985–1992): Played widow Sarah France in both radio and TV versions.
- A Question of Attribution (1991): Played Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s drama, earning a BAFTA nomination.
- Great Canal Journeys (2014–2019): Co-hosted with husband Timothy West, exploring waterways while coping with dementia.
❤️ Personal Life
Scales married actor Timothy West in 1963. Their romance began on the set of She Died Young and blossomed through shared crosswords and letters. They had two sons, including actor Samuel West, and remained devoted throughout her dementia diagnosis in 2014.
🧠 Later Years and Legacy
Despite her diagnosis, Scales continued to appear in documentaries and remained active in public life. She was a passionate campaigner for the arts and environment. Her final moments were spent watching Fawlty Towers, a poignant tribute to the role that defined her career
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