Prunella Scales, the celebrated actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died aged 93. Her family announced her passing, noting she died in November last year following a diagnosis of dementia.
Scales’ performance as the sharp-tongued,domineering wife of Basil Fawlty,played by john Cleese,cemented her place in television history. Fawlty Towers, which debuted 50 years ago, remains a beloved comedy worldwide, and Scales’ Sybil – instantly recognizable with her permed hair and stylish attire – is a defining character. She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Beyond fawlty Towers, Scales enjoyed a distinguished career spanning stage and screen. She received a Bafta nomination for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett‘s 1991 televised play, A Question of Attribution. Later in life, she found a new audience with Channel 4’s Great Canal Journeys, co-starring with her late husband, Timothy west.
Scales once described her fawlty Towers role as ”very stimulating,” though she later admitted too finding constant discussion of the show “boring” in a 2023 interview with The independant. In the sitcom, Basil frequently referred to Sybil with nicknames like “the dragon” and “my little piranha fish,” always behind her back due to his fear of her. A memorable exchange from the episode ”The Psychiatrist” sees Basil finally snapping at his wife, to which Sybil simply responds, “Oh, you’ve done it now.”
her family’s statement concluded: “We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were pleasant,contented and surrounded by love.”
