Fawlty Towers” Star Prunella Scales Dies at 93, John Cleese Leads Tributes

The world of British comedy is mourning the loss of Prunella Scales, the talented actress who brought Sybil Fawlty to life in the iconic sitcom “Fawlty Towers.” Scales passed away on Monday at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a generation of comedians who have been inspired by her work.

A Star of Stage and Screen

Prunella Scales was a versatile actress who enjoyed a long and distinguished career in television, film, and theater. Born in 1932, she began her acting journey at The Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol. Over the years, she appeared in numerous productions, including the 1960s sitcom “Marriage Lines” and the Oscar-winning film “Howards End” (1992), in which she starred alongside her son Samuel West.

Scales’ portrayal of Sybil Fawlty, the acid-tongued wife of Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese), remains one of her most iconic roles. The show’s two seasons, which aired in 1975 and 1979, have become cult classics, and Scales’ performance earned her widespread recognition.

Tributes from the Industry

John Cleese, who worked alongside Scales on “Fawlty Towers,” paid a heartfelt tribute to his co-star. “How very sad. Pru was a really wonderful comic actress,” Cleese said in a statement. “I’ve recently been watching a number of clips of Fawlty Towers whilst researching a book. Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect. She was a very sweet lady, who spent a lot of her life apologising. I used to tease her about it. I was very, very fond of her.”

Other notable figures in British comedy and entertainment have also paid tribute to Scales. Gyles Brandreth, a British broadcaster, described her as “a wonderful actress who brought her high intelligence to every part she played — from Sybil Fawlty to Elizabeth II.” Scales played Queen Elizabeth II in the 1992 TV drama “A Question of Attribution” and received a BAFTA nomination for her performance.

A Life Well-Lived

Scales was married to actor Timothy West for 61 years until his passing in November 2024. She is survived by two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. In recent years, Scales had been living with dementia, but her family reported that she continued to watch “Fawlty Towers” and remained a keen fan of the show.

In a statement, Scales’ sons remembered their mother as a beloved figure who brought joy and laughter to countless people. “Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday,” they said. “Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”

Legacy of a Comedy Legend

Prunella Scales’ passing has been met with sadness from fans and fellow actors alike. Her contribution to British comedy is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. As John Cleese so aptly put it, Scales was “absolutely perfect” in every scene, and her performance remains a testament to her enduring talent.

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