Prunella Scales, star of the hit British sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died “peacefully at home” aged 93, her family said.
Scales played Sybil, the overbearing wife of hotel manager Basil Fawlty, in the classic British comedy.
In a statement, her family told the PA News agency she had died in her London home on Monday.
“Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93,” her two sons, Samuel and Joseph, said.
“Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home.
“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.”
Scales’ death coincides with the 50th anniversary year of Fawlty Towers’ television debut, with her sons saying she had been watching the show the day before she died.
Scales lost her husband of 61-years, actor Timothy West, in November last year.
She is survived by her two sons and one stepdaughter, as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
While she was best known for her leading role Fawlty Towers, Sacles enjoyed an extensive career spanning film, television and radio.
She received a BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s A Question of Attribution in 1992 and hosted Channel 4 documentary Great Canal Journeys with her husband between 2014 and 2019.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013, Scales slowly withdrew from the public eye, bringing a close to her acting career as she continued to enjoy time with family and friends.