Prunella and Timothy were married for 61 years (Image: (Image: Getty))
Samuel West, the star of All Creatures Great and Small, recently provided an uplifting update on his mother Prunella Scales' ongoing health struggle during a recent appearance on Lorraine. This update was given before the sad news of his father, actor Timothy West's passing at 90 years old on Tuesday (November 12).
Prunella, a 92 year old actress, has been fighting vascular dementia since 2014. The British legend is most recognised for her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, and as Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett's A Question of Attribution.
When questioned about his mother's health, Samuel revealed Prunella's new "philosophy" following a recent cruise trip. Discussing his parents, he informed viewers: "My mother went on a cruise the other day, I'm not sure if she knew where she was but she enjoyed getting there. She said: 'I don't always know where I'm going but I enjoy getting there,' and I thought if that is her philosophy, that might have to be mine as well."
Prunella Scales is best known for her role as Sybil Fawlty (Image: (Image: Getty))
Despite being 92, Prunella continues to be active in her career. In a conversation with The Times, she candidly discussed the impact of ageing on her memory and daily life. She elaborated: "As one gets older, one's memory and living from minute to minute changes, doesn't it? You get less efficient. My memory is less good," reports MyLondon.
"I mean, I do forget things and that's age, the same as everybody else."
Despite her condition, she remains resolute in her decision to continue her work in TV and theatre, according to the Express. Her husband Timothy, renowned for his roles in Coronation Street, Eastenders, and the sitcom Not Going Out, also maintained an active career until his passing.
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Recently, Prunella has been engaged in recording new voiceovers for a production at the Tabard Studio Theatre in West London. Scales first assumed the role of Queen Victoria over four decades ago, featuring in 'An Evening with Queen Victoria' which debuted in London and toured worldwide until 2007.
Prunella Scales and Timothy West shared a marriage of 61 years and have two sons, Samuel, 58, and Joseph, as well as a step-daughter, Juliet, from Timothy's previous marriage. In a 2023 interview, Prunella expressed gratitude towards her husband for 'sticking by (me) for so long'.
Timothy passed away 'peacefully in his sleep' while 'surrounded by family' on Tuesday, November 12.