Timothy West, renowned for his extensive career across theatre, film, and television, has died aged 90. Known for his roles in Shakespeare, EastEnders, and the popular series Great Canal Journeys, West was a beloved figure in British entertainment for decades.
A Legacy Across Theatre and Television
Throughout his career, Timothy West’s range was remarkable, from Shakespeare and Ibsen to contemporary writers like Harold Pinter. His TV appearances included Brass, EastEnders, and Great Canal Journeys, the latter alongside his wife, Prunella Scales. His versatility made him a fixture in British culture from the 1960s onward.
West’s family issued a heartfelt statement through his agent: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our dear father, Timothy West, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old. Tim was surrounded by friends and family at the end. He leaves behind his wife, Prunella, his sister, three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. We will miss him dearly. We would also like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, and Avery Wandsworth for their compassionate care in his final days.”
A Passionate Performer and Traveller
Timothy West’s dedication to regional theatre took him on tours across the UK, blending his love for the arts with a desire to explore the country. In his 2001 memoir, A Moment Towards the End of the Play, he wrote: “I feel more useful when I’m on the road, touring this country and others, playing in different theatres, exploring different places, meeting new people. It’s no way to get rich or famous, and it drives my agent mad, but I love it.”
West took on powerful roles like Uncle Vanya, Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, and King Lear, a part he played four times over his career. He also portrayed iconic figures such as Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, and William Morris.
Television Success and Family Connections
In the 1975 miniseries Edward the Seventh, West played the title role, marking him as a household name in British television. He appeared in other acclaimed adaptations, including Hard Times and Bleak House, as well as Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected. Known for his role in the 1983 TV series Brass, West’s comedic portrayal of Bradley Hardacre cemented his popularity. He was appointed a CBE in 1984.
West’s most cherished TV role, however, was in Great Canal Journeys, where he and Scales shared their passion for narrowboats. The series also sensitively portrayed Scales’ dementia journey, which West described as a way to find joy in the present: “She can’t remember things very well, but on the canal, you don’t have to. You can simply enjoy each moment as it comes.”
Family and Final Years
West’s first marriage to Jacqueline Boyer ended in divorce; they had a daughter, Juliet. He and Prunella Scales, married since 1963, had two sons, Samuel and Joseph, both actors. Samuel often worked alongside his father, including roles in Henry IV Part I and A Number. Timothy West’s notable films included The Day of the Jackal and Cry Freedom.
Born to actors Lockwood West and Olive Carleton-Crowe, Timothy grew up amidst theatre. After World War II, he joined his parents on stage in Bristol. He left his job as a quality control engineer at EMI to work in theatre, eventually performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He played leading roles in Richard II, The Tempest, and many more.
In recent years, West had roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Gentleman Jack, leaving a lasting impact on British TV.
