Famed actor John Cleese recently expressed his condolences following the passing of his colleague Prunella Scales, known for her role as Sybil in the classic series Fawlty Towers. Scales, who passed away at the age of 93, was praised by Cleese as a brilliant comedic talent, with her impeccable performances scene after scene.
In a statement shared online by her family, it was revealed that Scales peacefully passed away at her home in London. Despite retiring due to dementia after a remarkable career spanning nearly 70 years, she remained at home surrounded by love, even watching Fawlty Towers just before her passing.
Married to Timothy West for 61 years, Scales is survived by two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The 50th anniversary of Fawlty Towers’ debut in 2025 highlighted the enduring popularity of the show, featuring the unforgettable characters like Basil Fawlty, Sybil, Polly, and Manuel.
Although Fawlty Towers concluded in 1979, its influence persisted through various adaptations and a planned reboot by Cleese and his daughter. Scales, already a renowned star before the show, continued to grace screens in movies such as Howards End and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The BBC’s director of comedy, Jon Petrie, paid tribute to Scales, emphasizing her unforgettable portrayal of Sybil Fawlty. Fans also poured in their condolences online, honoring Scales for her exceptional talent and chemistry with Cleese on-screen.