British theater and TV legend: Timothy West has died at the age of 90

He was one of the great stars of the British theater and television world: Timothy West (1934-2024) died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90, his family announced on Wednesday. “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage,” the actor died on Tuesday evening.

“Tim was surrounded by friends and family at the end,” explain his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Prunella Scales (92), as well as a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family also thanked the NHS staff at St George’s Hospital in London for their “loving care in his final days”.

Born in Bradford in 1934, West was one of the most versatile British actors of his generation. He began his career as an assistant at the Wimbledon Theater before making a name for himself on stage and in front of the camera in the 1960s. He became known to a wide audience through roles in popular TV series such as “EastEnders” (2014-2015), “Coronation Street” (2013) and “Not Going Out” (2007-2009). He was last seen in the series “Gentleman Jack” (2019-2021).

His portrayal of historical figures received particular recognition – he portrayed the legendary British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) three times. In 1984 West was awarded the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the theater.

He became known to an international audience in films such as “The Jackal” (1973), “Cry for Freedom” (1987) and “Beyond All Borders” (2003).

West also appeared regularly in front of the camera with his wife Prunella Scales, known as Sybil from the BBC Sticom “Fawlty Towers”. Together they traveled the waterways of Britain and abroad for the Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys. Scales has suffered from vascular dementia for over 20 years.