Veteran British actress Prunella Scales, best known for her iconic role as Sybil Fawlty in the legendary BBC comedy Fawlty Towers, has become the unfortunate victim of a cruel online death hoax that spread rapidly across social media platforms this week.
Her husband and fellow acting legend Timothy West has moved swiftly to quash the false rumours, confirming to concerned fans and colleagues that the 91-year-old actress is very much alive and in good health despite living with dementia.
The Viral Misinformation Spreads
The distressing false news began circulating on various social media platforms, with numerous users sharing fabricated reports of Scales' passing. The hoax gained enough traction that it prompted West to issue an official statement through representatives to reassure the public.
"There appears to be a rumour going round that my wife Prunella Scales has died," West stated clearly. "Thank you for all the kind thoughts, but I'm happy to say that she is still very much with us."
A Storied Career and Lasting Legacy
Prunella Scales remains one of Britain's most cherished acting talents, with a career spanning over seven decades across television, film, and theatre. While she will forever be remembered as the formidable Sybil Fawlty opposite John Cleese's Basil in the timeless 1970s sitcom, her body of work extends far beyond this defining role.
Her notable performances include:
- After Ellen in the 1992 film Howards End
- Queen Mary in the 1997 drama Mrs Brown
- Regular appearances on shows like Midsomer Murders and Doctor Who
- The beloved Tesco supermarket advertisements with her real-life husband
Life Beyond the Spotlight
In recent years, Scales has lived with dementia, which led to her retirement from acting in 2020. Her husband Timothy West has been her dedicated caregiver, and the couple continue to live together in London.
The acting pair, married since 1963 and parents to actor Samuel West, have long been regarded as one of British entertainment's most enduring and beloved partnerships. Their genuine affection and professional respect for each other has been evident throughout their sixty-year marriage.
While the internet death hoax caused unnecessary distress to fans and loved ones, the swift clarification from Timothy West has provided relief and reassurance to the entertainment community and public alike, confirming that one of Britain's national treasures continues to enjoy her retirement surrounded by family care and affection.
