Beloved 'Fawlty Towers' Actress Prunella Scales Dies at 93

Prunella Scales, the renowned British actress who captivated audiences as Sybil Fawlty on the iconic 1970s sitcom 'Fawlty Towers', has passed away at the age of 93. Scales died peacefully at her home in London on October 27, 2025, according to a statement from her sons, Samuel and Joseph West.

Scales' acting career spanned nearly 70 years, with her most famous role being the intimidating yet lovable wife of John Cleese's Basil Fawlty. In 2013, she was diagnosed with vascular dementia, which eventually led to her retirement from acting. However, Scales continued to live at home and even watched 'Fawlty Towers' the day before her passing.

Beyond her iconic performance in 'Fawlty Towers', Scales earned a BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1991 televised play 'A Question of Attribution'. From 2014 to 2020, she co-hosted the popular docuseries 'Great Canal Journeys' alongside her husband, the late actor Timothy West, who passed away in November 2024.

Scales is survived by her two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her family has expressed gratitude for the wonderful care she received in her final days, stating that she was "comfortable, contented and surrounded by love" until the end.