Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Known For
Actor
Occupations
Radio drama actor, Film actor, Television actor, Actor, Stage actor
Birthday
(Wednesday)
Died
Birthplace
Sutton Abinger, Surrey, England, UK
Nationality
Citizenship
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Spouse
Timothy West (1963-2024)
Children
2 children: Samuel West
Education
Roedean Moira House, HB Studio
Zodiac Sign
♋ Cancer
Chinese Zodiac
猴 Monkey
Name Origin
English < Ancient Greek (μαργαρίτης)
Popularity
Tier B -- 75,129 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Screen debut
First screen credit at age 43
Career
Career spanning 39 years (1975-2014)
Year context
Born in 1932 -- Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic; Herbert Hoover was US president
Year 1932 →
Zodiac
Born in the Year of the Monkey
DROPTHE GOOD_
14
Notable
out of 100
Most people on Earth score 0. Only those with measurable positive impact appear on this scale.
Human Impact
1
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
97
Cultural Uplift
42
Public Vote
★
★
★
★
★
Be the first to vote
Filmography (12)
AWARDS (1)
B
Commander of the Order of the British Empire
WON
Biography
Prunella Margaret Rumney West Scales CBE (née Illingworth; 22 June 1932) was an English former actor, best known for playing Sybil Fawlty, wife of Basil Fawlty (John Cleese), in the BBC comedy Fawlty Towers; for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in A Question of Attribution (Screen One, BBC 1991) by Alan Bennett (for which she was nominated for a BAFTA award); and for the documentary series Great Canal Journeys (2014–2021), in which she travels on canal barges and narrowboats with her husband, fellow actor Timothy West.
Connections (5)
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Prunella Scales?
Prunella Scales was born on and passed away on at the age of 93.
Where was Prunella Scales born?
Prunella Scales was born in Sutton Abinger, Surrey, England, UK.
What movies or shows has Prunella Scales been in?
Prunella Scales has 12 credits in our database. Notable titles include Sub Rosa (2014), Johnny English (2003), The Big Knights (1999), Stiff Upper Lips (1998), Emma (1996).
What is Prunella Scales known for?
Prunella Scales is primarily known as an actor. Prunella Margaret Rumney West Scales CBE (née Illingworth; 22 June 1932) was an English former actor, best known for playing Sybil Fawlty, wife of Basil…
Where can I find more information about Prunella Scales?
You can find more about Prunella Scales on IMDB, TMDB, Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
