Fawlty Towers star John Cleese has shared a heartfelt message about co-star Prunella Scales, who has tragically passed away after an acting career spanning seven decades

Fawlty Towers star John Cleese has shared a heartfelt message following the tragic death of co-star Prunella Scales, who died aged 93, as her family shared a statement online. Prunella Scales was best known for her role as Sybil in Fawlty Towers, which she starred in alongside John. The iconic show included six episodes released in 1975, and another six in 1979.

John Cleese has described his on-screen wife and Fawlty Towers co-star Prunella as “a really wonderful comic actress,” adding: “Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect.”

Announcing the news, her family said: “Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93. Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. “She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”


Fawlty Towers star John Cleese has shared a heartfelt message following the tragic death of co-star Prunella Scales (
Image:
BBC)

The statement added: “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.”

Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years and she is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

September 19, 2025 marked 50 years since the first episode of Fawlty Towers aired. At the core of the show were the hilarious antics of hotel owner Basil Fawlty, portrayed by John Cleese, his patient wife Sybil, clever chambermaid Polly, played by Connie Booth, and the bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel.

It may have been off their air since 1979, but Fawlty Towers still left a huge legacy. It spawned a successful theatre production, fans worldwide still love the show and a reboot of the show created by Cleese and his daughter Camilla was announced in 2023.


It may have been off their air since 1979, but Fawlty Towers still left a huge legacy (
Image:
Corbis via Getty Images)

When Fawlty Towers began, Prunella Scales was already a star on the stage and small screen. Since the show ended, she went on to appear in movies such as Howards End and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

After several film appearances, in 2003 Prunella appeared as Hilda, wife of Horace Rumpole in four BBC Radio 4 plays, with her real-life husband, Timothy West, playing her fictional husband.

September 19, 2025 marked 50 years since the first episode of Fawlty Towers aired (
Image:
BBC)

Following the announcement of her death, Jon Petrie, director of comedy at the BBC, paid tribute to Prunella. He said: “All of us at BBC Comedy are so sorry to hear of Prunella Scales’ passing. She was a national treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty lit up screens and still makes us laugh today. We send our love and condolences to her family and friends.”

Many fans also sent their condolences, as one person wrote online: “Legend. May she rest in peace”, while another added: “She was an underrated actress by many. The chemistry between Prunella and John was the mainstay of the show. RIP Prunella and you wont ever be forgotten.”