Remembering Prunella Scales: A Comic Legend's Extraordinary Journey

Actor Prunella Scales, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the beloved British sitcom “Fawlty Towers,” has died at the age of 93, her children announced on Tuesday. Scales, who had been living with dementia, passed away peacefully at her home in London on Monday.

Despite dementia bringing a close to her illustrious acting career spanning nearly 70 years, Scales remained a source of inspiration. She gained early fame in films like the 1952 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” and the comedy “Hobson's Choice.” In television, she gained recognition alongside Richard Briers in the popular 1960s sitcom “Marriage Lines.”

John Cleese, her co-star in “Fawlty Towers,” remembered Scales as “a wonderful comic actress” and “a sweet lady.” The show, though only 12 episodes were made between 1975 and 1979, remains a classic. Scales' repertoire also included roles such as Queen Elizabeth II in “A Question of Attribution” and a unique depiction of Queen Victoria on stage. Between 2014 and 2019, Scales showcased her enduring spirit by starring with her husband, Timothy West, in “Great Canal Journeys,” a travel show praised for its honest depiction of her condition. She leaves behind a legacy cherished by her sons, stepdaughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.