Actor Timothy West, known for many roles in television and the theatre, has died peacefully in his sleep aged 90 “with his friends and family at the end”, his family said.
The celebrated actor’s long career saw him play a host of roles on stage and screen, including in soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders.
West was married to Prunella Scales, best known for her performance as Sybil in Fawlty Towers, for 61 years.
They appeared together in the Great Canal Journeys series over five years from 2014.
His children Samuel, Juliet and Joseph confirmed the news on Wednesday morning in a statement issued by his agent and shared to social media.
It read: "After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our father Samuel West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old.
— Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) November 13, 2024
"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.
"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."
Following the news of West’s passing, many took to social media to pay tribute to the late star under his son, actor Samuel West’s announcement on Twitter/X.
Strictly Come Dancing star Richard Coles commented: “Dearest Sam, my condolences to you and yours xxx.”
“I’m so so sorry for your lose Sam. much love to all the family. He was the most wonderful man,” Tracy-Ann Oberman penned.
Last year, West opened up about his long marriage with wife Prunella as they navigated a new chapter in their relationship following her dementia diagnosis.
The actress was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, although West first noticed early signs back in 2001 after watching her perform in a theatre production.
While the show went smoothly, the former EastEnders star revealed he had noticed something was off with his other half, describing her as "a bit strange" and "not totally with it."
After six decades together, the Not Going Out actor spoke candidly about their future and her condition in a rare interview in November 2023, acknowledging that her health "isn’t going to get better."
He said: “I went to see the first night and it was good, much enjoyed by the audience and then I went to see it again and I thought 'She's not totally with it'.
“We went to see a specialist and he said I am sorry this is just something that happens to you when you get older. It is not going to get any easier but we cope with it and we manage.”
