Felicity Kendal has paid tribute to Dame Penelope Keith, her co-star in the classic BBC sitcom The Good Life, describing her as a “comic genius” who was “a joy to know and work with”. Kendal’s statement was issued to the Press Association following the announcement of Keith’s death on Monday at the age of 86.
Dame Penelope, who had been diagnosed with cancer, died peacefully at her home in Surrey, where she had lived for more than 50 years. Her family said they were “deeply saddened” to announce her passing and asked for privacy during this time.
A Life in Comedy
Best known for her portrayal of snobbish suburbanite Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life and the widowed aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To The Manor Born, Keith became a household name through her work in sitcoms. She began her career on stage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 before transitioning to television.
In her tribute, Kendal said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Penelope’s death. The shows I worked on with her were such special times in our lives and demonstrated her comic genius. My heart goes out to her beloved Rodney at this time, theirs was a great love story and partnership. She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed.”
Bafta-Winning Performance
Keith won a Bafta in 1977 for her role as Margo, a bullying social climber who later reveals a heart of gold. The Good Life followed Tom and Barbara Good (played by Richard Briers and Kendal), who attempt to escape the rat race by becoming self-sufficient in their suburban Surbiton home, much to the horror of their neighbours Margo and her husband Jerry. The BBC has confirmed it will air one of the most beloved episodes from the third series on Monday at 7pm.
Jon Petrie, director of BBC Comedy, said: “All of us at BBC Comedy are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith. She was one of the defining figures of British television comedy. Her iconic performance as Margo in The Good Life remains one of the nation’s most beloved sitcom roles and continues to delight audiences today. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all of those who had the privilege of working with her.”
To The Manor Born and Beyond
In To The Manor Born, Keith’s character Audrey is forced to sell her vast country estate after her husband’s death, moving into the lodge while keeping her butler and Rolls-Royce. The series also starred Peter Bowles as the nouveau riche supermarket millionaire who buys the estate. All episodes of both The Good Life and To The Manor Born are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Keith also appeared in sitcoms Executive Stress, No Job For A Lady, and Next Of Kin, and won a Bafta for the TV adaptation of The Norman Conquests, a role she had previously performed on stage. She lent her voice to iconic adverts for Pimm’s, Lurpak, and the Parker Pen Company, which was named one of the 100 greatest adverts.
Later Career and Legacy
In later years, Keith returned to theatre, taking on roles such as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit and Lady Bracknell in The Importance Of Being Earnest. She also presented factual programmes including Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages, Penelope Keith’s Coastal Villages, and Penelope Keith At Her Majesty’s Service.
She married policeman Rodney Timson in 1978, and the couple adopted two sons. Keith was made a dame in 2014 for services to the arts and charity.
