Star of stage and screen Timothy West dies, aged 90
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Timothy West, the actor who was married to fellow actress Prunella Scales for 61 years, has passed away at the age of 90, according to his family.
His children, Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph West, issued a heartfelt message: "After a long and remarkable life both in theater and beyond, our beloved father Timothy West passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. He was 90 years old."
In his final moments, Tim was surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife Prunella Scales, with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, as well as a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. We will all feel a deep sense of loss without him.
"We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful NHS team at St George’s Hospital in Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their compassionate care during his final days."
A regular performer on stage, West has taken part in many productions of Macbeth, King Lear, and The Master Builder. However, he was likely most recognized by TV viewers for his characters Eric Babbage in Coronation Street, a role he portrayed in 2013, and Stan Carter in EastEnders, which he played from 2014 to 2015.
Following the announcement of West's passing, many people have expressed their condolences and shared heartfelt tributes on social media.
Piers Morgan, the broadcaster, shared his thoughts, saying: "He was an amazing actor and a truly lovely person. During my interview with him for My Life Stories, it was incredibly emotional to see his partner, Prunella Scales, in the audience. They had been married for 61 years, and his commitment to her after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's was deeply moving."
Alice Lowe, both a director and an actor, shared her experience meeting Timothy West during his involvement with the Scarborough @NSDFest. She described him as fantastic—an encouraging and uplifting influence in an industry that can often be harsh and unforgiving. His support helped instill confidence in young people, reminding them to persevere. She emphasized the importance of his kindness and his belief in the joy of creativity.
Former MP Giles Watling expressed, “I feel fortunate to have known this incredible actor and genuinely kind person. It's a significant loss. My thoughts are with his family.”
The Royal Shakespeare Company expressed their sorrow over the death of Timothy West. They offered their sincere condolences to Timothy's family and friends, especially to his wife Prunella and their children, including Samuel, who is an Associate Artist and will be portraying Malvolio in Twelfth Night.
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Throughout his career, West portrayed Winston Churchill on three occasions: in the films "Churchill and the Generals" (1979), "The Last Bastion" (1984), and "Hiroshima" (1995).
In the series Brass, he portrayed the relentless entrepreneur Bradley Hardacre from 1982 to 1984, making a comeback for a third season in 1990. Additionally, in Not Going Out, he took on the role of Geoffrey, the father of Lucy Adams, played by Sally Bretton.
In 2019, the actor from Bradford portrayed Private Godfrey in Dad’s Army: The Lost Episodes, a revival of three episodes that were once missing from the BBC comedy Dad’s Army.
During this time in the film industry, West appeared in several notable movies including Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), The Day of the Jackal (1973), Cry Freedom (1987), and Luc Besson's historical drama from 1999, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc.
West's last role was as Charles Usher in the 2023 series Sister Boniface Mysteries.
West and Scales, both 92 years old, who is known for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the popular BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers, shared the screen in the documentary series Great Canal Journeys from 2014 to 2021.
The couple tied the knot in 1963 and is the proud parents of two sons: actor Samuel West and Joseph West.
West was married to actress Jacqueline Boyer from 1956 to 1961, and together they had a daughter named Juliet West.
Further coverage provided by PA.
