To The Manor Born, the classic BBC sitcom that ran from 1979 to 1981, captivated over 20 million viewers per episode. The series followed Audrey fforbes-Hamilton (Penelope Keith), a snobby widow forced to sell her estate to nouveau riche millionaire Richard DeVere (Peter Bowles). The show returned for a reunion special in 2007. The cast's lives after the series varied from continued success to tragic losses.
Penelope Keith's Legacy and Passing
Penelope Keith, who played Audrey, died on June 26, 2026, aged 86, after a battle with cancer, her family confirmed. She had a BAFTA-winning career spanning over six decades, including roles in The Good Life and The Norman Conquests. After To The Manor Born, she starred in sitcoms like Sweet Sixteen, Moving, and Next of Kin, and hosted ITV's What's My Line? and the documentary series Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages. She served as President of the Actors' Benevolent Fund from 1990 to 2022 and was a Trustee of Brooklands Museum. Married to Rodney Timson from 1978 until her death, she had two sons.
Peter Bowles: From Comedy to Drama
Peter Bowles, who played Richard DeVere, died aged 85 on March 17, 2022, from cancer. Despite early warnings he could not play Englishmen due to his looks, he became known for quintessentially English roles. He created the drama series Lytton's Diary and co-devised Perfect Scoundrels. His role in The Irish R.M. was hailed as saving Channel 4. Later, he played the Duke of Wellington in ITV's Victoria (2016-2019). He is survived by his wife Susan and three children.
Angela Thorne: National Treasure
Angela Thorne played Marjory Frobisher, Audrey's best friend. She voiced Queen Elizabeth II in The BFG (1989) and played Margaret Thatcher in Anyone for Denis?, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy Performance in 1981. She appeared in Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War, and The Ladykillers on stage. Married to actor Peter Penry-Jones from 1967 until his death in 2009, she had two sons. She died on June 13, 2023, aged 84, at her home in Battersea.
Gerald Sim: The Rector
Gerald Sim played the Rector, often harangued by Audrey. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, including Gandhi (1982), Chaplin (1992), and Patriot Games (1992). He returned for the 2007 reunion special despite being retired. He was the younger brother of actress Sheila Sim and brother-in-law to Richard Attenborough. Married to Deirdre Benner until her death in 1999, Gerald died in December 2014, aged 89.
John Rudling: The Butler Brabinger
John Rudling played Brabinger, Audrey's patient butler. He was one of the earliest BBC television actors from 1936 and appeared in Ealing comedies. During the second series, he suffered a heart attack and missed several episodes but returned. After the show ended in 1981, he made few appearances, including a role in Sorry! (1982). He died aged 76 in 1983 from respiratory complications.
