Actress Prunella Scales, known for Fawlty Towers, dies at 93 in London

Actress Prunella Scales passed away in London. She was 93. The actor's family confirmed her death, reported BBC. Scales was best known for her popular role as the hotel manager Sybil Fawlty, the bossy wife of Basil, in the hit British show, Fawlty Towers.

According to the report, Scales died "peacefully at home in London yesterday", shared her sons, Samuel and Joseph.

They also shared that the actress watched Fawlty Towers a day before she took her last breath.

How did Prunella Scales die

Prunella Scales was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013.

Her sons told news agency PA, "Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93." "Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home," they were also quoted saying.

Scales is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Her husband, actor Timothy West, passed away in November 2024.

The statement from the family also assured that Prunella Scales' last days on earth were filled with comfort and love.

"We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love."

The news of Prunella Scales's death arrived at a milestone year for the popular sitcom Fawlty Towers, which made her a household name. This year marked 50 years since the classic comedy was first released on screens.

Who was Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales, aka Prunella Margaret Rumney West Scales, was born on 22 June 1932. She starred in her iconic role as Sybil Fawlty in the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.

Besides Fawlty Towers, her other notable performance was as Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s A Question of Attribution (1991). She was also nominated for the prestigious BAFTA awards.

Scales also appeared in the documentary series Great Canal Journeys (2014–2019).

Meanwhile, social media is filled with tributes for the late actress.