Timothy West, the distinguished British actor celebrated for his versatile career on stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 90, his family announced. West, known for his work in sitcoms such as Not Going Out and Bedtime, and dramas including Bleak House and Gentleman Jack, was beloved for his remarkable acting range.
West’s family shared that he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by friends and family. His wife, Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales, survives him after 61 years of marriage. In recent years, the couple was featured in Great Canal Journeys, a Channel 4 series documenting their travels, with Scales living with vascular dementia for over two decades.
Tributes poured in from the entertainment world, with broadcaster Piers Morgan recalling the emotional interview he conducted with West and Scales, highlighting his deep devotion to his wife. Dame Joanna Lumley described West as a huge loss, noting how the couple’s openness about dementia helped others facing similar challenges.
West’s long career spanned numerous iconic roles, from his portrayal of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to his turn as the patriarch of the Carter family in EastEnders. His stage career was equally notable, performing Shakespearean roles such as King Lear. He was also well-regarded for his performance as the self-made businessman Bradley Hardacre in the 1980s series Brass.
Born in Bradford in 1934, West began his career in theatre before achieving fame on television and in film. His family, including his children Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph, described him as having led a “long and extraordinary life” both on and off the stage. West’s final screen appearance was in the BBC One series Doctors just days before his passing.
