British Actress Prunella Scales Dies at 93, Celebrated for Fawlty Towers Role

Prunella Scales, renowned for her iconic role as Sybil Fawlty in the classic BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers, passed away at the age of 93 in 2025. She was celebrated for her quick wit, comedic timing, and versatility across theatre, film, television, and radio, with a career spanning nearly seventy years. Her portrayal of Sybil, the efficient and domineering hotel manager, was considered the emotional and comedic core of the show, often praised as a greater acting performance than her co-stars. Scales also shone in other roles, such as Elizabeth Mapp in the 1985 adaptation of the Mapp and Lucia novels, showcasing her range beyond comedy. Her family noted she was watching Fawlty Towers the day before her death, underscoring her lifelong connection to the show. At her passing, her net worth was estimated at around $2 million, earned through acting, endorsements, and voice work, leaving a lasting legacy in British entertainment.