Dame Penelope Keith's co-star Dame Janet Suzman fought back tears as she paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actress on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Suzman, who starred alongside Keith in the 1981 film Priest of Love, told hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay: 'I miss her terribly.'
Death Announced at Age 86
Dame Penelope Keith, best known for her iconic roles in the classic 1970s British sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born, passed away on Monday. Her family confirmed that she 'died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey,' where she had lived for more than 50 years.
Suzman began her tribute by offering condolences to Keith's husband, saying: 'Just first, my condolences to her wonderful policeman husband, Ronnie.' Fighting back tears, she added: 'I'm going to miss her terribly, she was such fun to be with.'
Fond Memory with Ava Gardner
Reflecting on a cherished memory, Suzman recalled mornings on the set of Priest of Love when she and Keith would share a makeup room. She described how they would arrive early for makeup artist George, who was 'not at all interested in us.' The two actresses were in awe of the legendary Ava Gardner, who was in the adjacent room.
'Every morning we used to get up very early for George the makeup man to do our faces,' Suzman said. 'Penny and I were in absolute awe. The door used to open to her room at a certain point when he dismissed us and Ava walked in looking terrible as one does in the morning and she would say “good morning George, you can do your thing.”'
Suzman continued: 'I don't know what George did to her but Penny and I were having our coffee and we would just be watching, pretending not to of course. After about ten minutes she said “right I'm going to do my thing now George” and she would disappear. We would wait and then the door would open again and in walks this Black Panther woman, those green eyes were beginning to appear and he would complete her makeup. Penny and I - it was our morning show, just the most wonderful thing.'
Family Statement and Wider Tributes
The statement released on behalf of Penelope's family said: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years. The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.'
Other notable figures paid tribute to the late actress. Comedian and presenter Sue Perkins praised her on Instagram for having been the 'creator of some of the greatest sit com characters of all time.' Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth remembered Dame Penelope as 'such a special lady - a wonderful actress, a real friend, so funny, so generous with the time she gave to good causes. Hers was indeed a good life.' Felicity Kendal, her co-star in The Good Life, remembered her as a 'comic genius' who was 'a joy to know and work with.'
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