Renowned British actor Timothy West, known for his seven-decade career across stage, film, and television, passed away in his sleep on November 12, 2024, according to his family. He was 90 years old.
West’s children, Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph West, shared a statement expressing that their father was in the company of family and friends in his final moments. The family’s statement said, “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father, Timothy West, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening.” They also thanked the NHS staff at St George’s Hospital in Tooting and Avery Wandsworth for their care during his last days.
West was born into a theatrical family in Bradford, Yorkshire, England on October 20, 1934. His parents, actors Lockwood West and Olive Carleton-Crowe, nurtured his early interest in the arts. West started his professional journey as an assistant stage manager at the Wimbledon Theatre before carving a niche for himself in British theater.
West’s career reached a pivotal point in the 1960s when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. Here, he left a lasting impression with his performances as Macbeth and King Lear. His powerful stage presence brought him critical acclaim for his roles, particularly Falstaff and Willy Loman, in regional theaters across the United Kingdom.
West was also a dynamic screen actor, featuring in significant films such as “The Day of the Jackal” (1973), “Cry Freedom” (1987), and “Iris” (2001). His television roles included Commissioner Berthier and appearances in popular series like “Coronation Street” and “EastEnders.” West’s portrayal of Winston Churchill on three separate occasions showcased his ability to encapsulate complex historical characters.
In recent years, West and his wife of 61 years, actress Prunella Scales, captivated audiences in the Channel 4 series “Great Canal Journeys.” His final television role was in “Gentlemen Jack,” where he played Jeremy Lister from 2019 to 2022.
Fellow “EastEnders” star Tracy-Ann Oberman remembered West as an exceptional actor and person. The Royal Shakespeare Company also extended their condolences, especially noting West’s son Samuel’s association with the company as an Associate Artist.
West’s outstanding contributions to British drama earned him the honor of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1984. Six universities also awarded him honorary doctorates, testifying to his significant impact on British theater and entertainment.
He leaves behind his wife Prunella Scales, sister Patricia, daughter Juliet, sons Samuel and Joseph, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Before his death, West and Scales had moved from their family home in Wandsworth, where they had resided for 50 years.