Timothy West Dies Peacefully at 90 His Family Remembers ‘Extraordinary Life’ and Loving Legacy
Veteran actor Timothy West, beloved for his performances on both stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 90. In a heartfelt statement released by his agent, West’s children—Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph—announced their father’s peaceful passing in his sleep, reflecting on his remarkable life and career, reported by the Express. “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening,” they shared. “Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.”
The family expressed gratitude for the support they received in Timothy’s final days, saying, “We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days”, according to the Mirror.
Throughout his storied career, West earned acclaim in numerous television roles, with memorable performances in Coronation Street, EastEnders, BBC’s Not Going Out, and ITV’s Brass. His work spanned multiple genres and captivated audiences over decades, establishing him as a cherished figure in British entertainment.
West was also deeply devoted to his wife, Prunella Scales, famed for her role in Fawlty Towers. Married in 1963, the couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Their enduring relationship and shared love were poignantly highlighted in a BBC Breakfast appearance last year. Scales, who has lived with dementia since 2013, expressed her gratitude to West, moving viewers to tears by thanking him for “sticking with me.”
Reflecting on their long marriage, Scales spoke warmly of the letters they exchanged throughout their relationship, saying, “He [Tim] wrote lovely letters. Marvellous letters.” West added, “We both loved writing to each other. Sometimes two or three times a day.”
In a past interview with The Times, Scales praised her husband’s unwavering support throughout her career, saying, “I think I’m a very lucky lady. I’m married to a very interesting person and I love him very much. So it’s not a problem.” She added, “If I had an unhappy marriage and was married to somebody I didn’t get on with, I’d be a different person.”
West’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life, both professionally and personally, leaving behind a lasting legacy in British theater and television and a family who will deeply miss him. His love story with Scales stands as a testament to their enduring bond, cherished by fans and loved ones alike.