Beloved British actress Prunella Scales, who passed away at the age of 93 after a long battle with dementia, will always be remembered for her role as Sybil Fawlty alongside John Cleese’s character Basil in the iconic series Fawlty Towers.
Their on-screen relationship may have been tumultuous, but off-screen, Scales and Cleese shared a profound professional respect and enduring friendship that spanned decades.
Initially uncertain about taking on the role of Sybil when it was offered to her in 1975, Scales eventually embraced the character after discussions with Cleese, who was enthusiastic about the series.
Crafting a detailed backstory for Sybil, Scales envisioned her as a daughter of a pub family from the South Coast who was charmed by Basil’s upper-class demeanor but soon realized the challenges of their mismatched marriage.
Despite the intense filming process, the collaboration between Scales and Cleese thrived, with Scales’ interpretation of Sybil adding depth and humor to the show, as acknowledged by Cleese himself.
While Scales battled dementia in her later years, her connection to Fawlty Towers remained strong, with her sons revealing that she watched the show even on the day before her passing.
In a statement, her sons expressed gratitude for the care she received at home, highlighting the comfort and love surrounding her during her final days.
Scales’ enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, spanning nearly 70 years, was marked by her remarkable acting career and the impact she had on audiences worldwide.