British actor Timothy West, revered for his extraordinary range on stage, television, and film, has passed away peacefully at the age of 90. His family confirmed the news on Thursday through a social media post, which quickly prompted a wave of tributes and memories from fans and colleagues alike.

West’s career in entertainment was long and distinguished, covering more than six decades and showcasing his versatile talent across various genres and mediums. Known for iconic roles in works from Shakespearean dramas to modern TV soap operas, he became a celebrated fixture in British entertainment.

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One of his most memorable film appearances was as Commissioner Berthier in the classic thriller ‘The Day of the Jackal’ (1973). His performance in ‘Cry Freedom’ (1987) also left a lasting impact, where he contributed to the powerful story of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko.

Beyond his film work, Timothy West became a familiar face on British television, starring in well-loved soap operas such as ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘EastEnders’. In 2013, he made a brief yet memorable appearance on ‘Coronation Street’, and later took on the role of Stan Carter in ‘EastEnders’, where he was embraced by fans of the show.

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More recently, he portrayed a role in the historical drama ‘Gentleman Jack’, further affirming his legacy as a versatile and dedicated actor.

Timothy West’s contribution to the arts extended to adaptations of literary classics by authors like Roald Dahl and Charles Dickens, including his role in ‘Oliver Twist’.

His deep-rooted love for Shakespearean theatre was also a defining aspect of his career, with countless stage performances that captivated audiences. Over the years, he became a master of embodying complex, thoughtful characters, whether in live performances or on screen.

At the heart of Timothy West’s life was his enduring marriage to actress Prunella Scales, beloved for her role in the iconic sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers’. Their partnership spanned 61 years, a testament to their love and shared passion for acting. Together, they embarked on many professional and personal journeys, including starring in the popular TV series ‘Great Canal Journeys’.

This travel series followed the couple as they explored Britain’s scenic waterways in narrowboats, revealing both their adventurous spirit and their steadfast commitment to each other. The show also sensitively documented their experience coping with Scales’ dementia diagnosis, endearing the couple even more to audiences.

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The couple’s children—Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph West—released a heartfelt statement following their father’s passing. “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father, Timothy West, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening,” they shared. West was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing. The statement reflected on West’s immense legacy, noting, “He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.”

The West family also expressed their gratitude for the compassionate care he received from the staff at St. George’s Hospital in Tooting and Avery Wandsworth, where he spent his final days. Since the announcement of his passing, an outpouring of tributes has come from actors, colleagues, and fans who admired his warmth, kindness, and immense talent. Many have taken to social media to share memories of working with West or the impact he had on their lives.