Prunella Scales Death and Obituary – British actress Prunella Scales, celebrated for her unforgettable portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died at the age of 93. According to her family, Scales passed away peacefully at her London home on October 27, 2025, after living with vascular dementia for more than a decade. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life and career that spanned nearly seven decades in British theatre, film, and television.
Scales was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, a condition that she and her family spoke about openly in later years. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to appear on television and in public, sharing her journey with honesty and grace. Her later appearances alongside her husband, actor Timothy West, in the Channel 4 travel series Great Canal Journeys (2014–2019), offered viewers an intimate look at both her enduring spirit and the realities of living with dementia.
Her family shared that she was surrounded by loved ones in her final days and found comfort revisiting old memories. In a touching detail, her sons Samuel and Joseph West revealed that she had been watching episodes of Fawlty Towers the day before she passed away. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and tributes that followed her death, saying that her humor and warmth “touched generations of audiences.”
Scales’ husband, Timothy West, to whom she was married for 61 years, died in November 2024, less than a year before her own passing. Their partnership—both on and off the screen—was regarded as one of the most enduring in British theatre. Together, they shared a deep love for performance, travel, and storytelling.
Throughout her career, Prunella Scales built a legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved actresses. Though she performed in numerous stage productions and television dramas, it was her portrayal of the sharp-tongued yet endearing Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers (1975–1979) that secured her a permanent place in British cultural history. Her chemistry with co-star John Cleese, who played the bumbling hotel owner Basil Fawlty, created some of the most memorable moments in television comedy.
Following the news of her death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. John Cleese described her as a “wonderful comic actress with impeccable timing and endless warmth.” Fellow actors and directors praised her professionalism, charm, and ability to bring authenticity to every role she played.
In addition to Fawlty Towers, Scales appeared in notable works such as Howards End (1992), An Ideal Husband (1999), and Hobson’s Choice (1954). Her voice and presence were familiar to generations of British audiences, who cherished her wit, elegance, and humanity.
As Britain mourns her loss, Prunella Scales is remembered not only for her remarkable body of work but also for her courage, humor, and resilience in the face of illness. Her life and performances continue to inspire fans around the world, leaving behind a timeless legacy in British entertainment.