Fawlty Towers legend Prunella Scales has died
The star – greatest identified for enjoying Sybil Fawlty, the domineering spouse of the inept titular resort proprietor Basil Fawlty – handed away at her house in London on Monday (27.10.25) on the age of 93, following a battle with dementia.
Her sons, Samuel and Joseph, stated in a joint assertion: “Our darling mom Prunella Scales died peacefully at house in London yesterday. She was 93.
“Though dementia compelled her retirement from a exceptional appearing profession of practically 70 years, she continued to dwell at house.
“She was watching Fawlty Towers the day earlier than she died. Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024.
“She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
“We wish to thank all those that gave Pru such great care on the finish of her life: her final days have been comfy, contented and surrounded by love.”
In 2013, Prunella was identified with vascular dementia – a typical kind of the degenerative situation that causes a decline in considering, reminiscence, and reasoning expertise.
The star was greatest identified for her function as Sybil Fawlty within the much-loved Nineteen Seventies BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.
However she beforehand stated that TV sitcoms have been her “least favorite type of work”.
In January 1995, Prunella advised Radio Instances journal: “It is a dreadful factor to say – as a result of I suppose I earn the majority of my residing from them – however TV sitcoms are my least favorite type of work.
“I do not thoughts scenario comedy within the theatre, the place you do it night time after night time and might study from the viewers. I really like lengthy runs as a result of I am a sluggish employee. However on TV it is a horrendous schedule.”
Although Prunella initially didn’t really feel “prepared” to do Fawlty Towers, she was grateful for the present boosting her profile and giving her extra work.
She stated: “I by no means actually felt able to go on Fawlty Towers. Do you suppose I am nonetheless lumbered with that present? Folks want a peg to hold you on, and I am grateful to it on the entire.
“It opened, slightly than closed, doorways for me. I loved After Henry enormously and was fairly pleased with it.”
