Pru's Biography

Prunella Scales is a beloved British actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic BBC sitcom 'Fawlty Towers.' Born on June 22, 1932, in Sutton Abinger, Surrey, Scales has enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades, establishing herself as a versatile performer in television, film, and stage. She was educated at Moira House Girls' School and began her acting career in the early 1950s, quickly making a name for herself in repertory theatre and later on British television. Her breakthrough came with her role as Queen Elizabeth II in the acclaimed mini-series 'Edward & Mrs. Simpson' (1978), but it was her sharp wit and comedic timing in 'Fawlty Towers' that made her a household name. She has been nominated for BAFTA awards and was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to drama. Off-screen, Prunella is known for her enduring marriage to actor Timothy West, with whom she shares a passion for canal boating, documented in the popular TV series 'Great Canal Journeys.' Despite stepping back from the limelight due to health challenges, Scales remains an enduring icon in British entertainment, celebrated for her professionalism, warmth, and unmistakable presence on screen.