Prunella Scales, beloved actress of Fawlty Towers, dies at 93
Prunella Scales, renowned for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the iconic sitcom Fawlty Towers, has passed away at the age of 93, her sons Samuel and Joseph announced today, reports BritPanorama.
Her sons shared that she was watching Fawlty Towers the day prior to her death, a poignant reminder of the lasting legacy of her character. Scales was an integral part of the show, described as the “engine room” that allowed her co-star John Cleese, portraying the snobbish hotelier Basil Fawlty, to shine. The interplay between Scales’s character and Cleese created a comedic dynamic, where her strong-willed Sybil often kept Basil in check.
While Cleese and Andrew Sachs, who played Manuel, received acclaim for their physical comedy, Scales’s portrayal of Sybil added depth that resonated with audiences. For instance, in an episode where Basil forgets their wedding anniversary, she brought a touch of pathos to the scene, highlighting her exceptional range as an actress.
Beyond Fawlty Towers, Scales’s extensive career spanned theatre and television. In the 1950s, she took on leading roles in classical plays, including Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and The Winter’s Tale, while also excelling in comedies on the West End and Broadway. Her subsequent role as Elizabeth Mapp in Channel 4’s adaptation of E.F. Benson’s Mapp and Lucia showcased her ability to capture the essence of social rivalry in a delightfully frumpy manner.
Scales’s talent extended to embodying Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s play A Question of Attribution, where she subtly conveyed the monarch’s wit in a scene with Soviet art historian Anthony Blunt. Her portrayal remains a standout amid other interpretations of the Queen.
In 2014, Scales, alongside her husband Timothy West, captured audiences anew with their Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys. This show, which ran for ten series, not only presented a charming travelogue but also provided an intimate insight into their enduring marriage.
The series also documented Scales’ health decline, as she was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013. The couple addressed her condition candidly, raising awareness about dementia and earning appreciation from organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society.
Ultimately, despite her expansive career, Scales will be most fondly remembered for her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty—complete with her unforgettable catchphrase of “Basil!” as she navigated the chaos around her. Their unique, dysfunctional relationship remains a treasured element of British comedy.
