Dame Penelope Keith's co-star, Dame Janet Suzman, was left fighting back tears during an emotional tribute on BBC Breakfast, stating, "I miss her terribly." The actress, known for her iconic roles in 1970s British sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born, died on Monday at the age of 86. Her family confirmed she "died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey."
Co-Star's Heartfelt Recollections
Appearing on Tuesday's (June 30) edition of BBC Breakfast, Dame Janet Suzman, who starred alongside Dame Penelope in the 1981 film Priest of Love, shared her fondest memories. Speaking with presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, she began by offering condolences: "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." She recalled a cherished memory of them together in a makeup room on set, watching the legendary actress Ava Gardner. "Every morning we used to get up very early for George the makeup man to do our faces and he wasn't at all interested in us. We were in the adjacent room to the great Ava Gardner. Penny and I were in absolute awe."
She described how Gardner would enter looking disheveled and say, "Good morning George, you can do your thing," then leave and return transformed. "Penny and I - it was our morning show, just the most wonderful thing."
Family Statement and Tributes
A statement issued on behalf of Penelope's family read: "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."
Comedian and presenter Sue Perkins paid tribute on Instagram, praising her as the "creator of some of the greatest sitcom characters of all time." Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth fondly recalled her as "such a special lady - a wonderful actress, a real friend, so funny, so generous with the time she gave to good causes," adding, "Hers was indeed a good life."
Her Good Life co-star Felicity Kendal also paid respects, describing her as a "comic genius" who was "a joy to know and work with."
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
