Prunella Scales Has Died TV Chat

[Tom]

Prunella Scales has died at the age of 93 after a decade-long battle with dementia that ended her 67-year acting career.

Scales was best known for playing hotel manager Sybil Fawlty, the long-suffering and domineering wife of Basil - played by John Cleese - in the classic British sitcom.

The actress died "peacefully at home in London yesterday", her sons Samuel and Joseph said.

They added that she was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. Cleese paid tribute, describing Scales as "a really wonderful comic actress. Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect."

The actress had been diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013.

"Our darling mother, Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93," her sons told the PA News agency.

"Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home."

Her husband, fellow actor Timothy West, died in November last year.

Fawlty Towers was the best sitcom of all time. Only 12 episodes, but 12 episodes of pure wit and hilarity. So many funny moments.

"Basil...Basil!" Just so bloody wonderful.

 

[Amelia]

Legend, a huge part of one of the best comedy series ever.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Sad news. I was just watching the Kipper and the Corpse episode of Fawlty Towers at the weekend. She played a great character.

 

[Gemma]

Aww, this is sad, but at the same time, at least she's now at peace. Dementia is a horrible illness.

Fawlty Towers was brilliant. I enjoyed watching her and Timothy West in Great Canal Journeys too.