An inquest into the death of reknowned actor Timothy West has revealed previously unknown and tragic details about his passing. The legendary star of stage and screen died at the age of 90 on November 12 this year.
Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin launched the inquest into his death at Westminster Coroner’s Court this week. During proceedings it was revealed the actor died in a care home and his body was identified by a nurse in the facility.
“The deceased was identified as Timothy West, a British citizen, aged 90 years, born on October 20, 1934 in Bradford. He was an actor, husband of Prunella West,” she said.
The actor was formally identified “by a care home nurse who knew the deceased since the time of admission to the care home”. The inquest has been adjourned for a review in February 2025.
Timothy’s death was announced in a statement from his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West which was issued by his agent.
“After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old,” it said.
“Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.
“We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days.”
Timothy was a well known face on British screens following numerous appearances including roles in popular soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, the long running BBC sitcom Not Going Out and ITV’s Brass. He also made countless stage apperances during his six decade career.
More recently he and wife Prunella starred in the popular Channel 4 series, Great Canal Journeys, from 2014 to 2019. The heartwarming travelogue saw the couple touring UK and overseas canals together.
Sadly, Fawlty Towers legend Prunella, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, was forced to quit the show as her health failed. The couple were replaced by Gyles Brandreth and Sheila Hancock.
Despite Prunella’s condition, their love never faltered. In his book Pru and Me, Timothy wrote: “[We] have exactly the same conversation every day of the week and it’s something I never tire of.
“Repetition doesn’t really exist in Pru’s world and the look on her face when she enters the room and sees me sitting there on the sofa waiting for her makes me realise just how much I love her.”
