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Timothy West and Prunella Scales attending the gala opening of the new London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art centre, London© Ian West - PA Images,Getty

Timothy West's huge gesture to son revealed in actor's will - and sum he left wife Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales' husband died aged 90 in November last year

Phoebe Tatham
News and Features Writer
June 16, 2025
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Actor Timothy West's will has been revealed following his death in November last year.

The star, who was married to Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales was best known as a theatre actor, and amassed notable TV credits throughout his career, including for Coronation Street, EastEnders and Gentleman Jack.

He died peacefully in his sleep aged 90, "with his friends and family at the end".

Newly-released documents have now revealed that Timothy left some of his fortune to his son Sam "to aid the renovation of his home." An amendment to the will in March 2024 stated: "I declare jointly with my wife Pru we are giving to our son Sam the sum of £300,000 to aid the renovation of his home." 

Beyond this, the documents reveal that he also left a portion of his estate to a number of charities supporting the arts and the disabled.

Timothy West (Bargees of the Year winner) and Prunella Scales at The Oldie of the Year Awards, London, Britain - 02 Feb 2016© James Gourley/Shutterstock
Timothy West sadly passed away in November last year

According to MailOnline, he left £15,000 to The Combined Theatrical Charities Appeals Council - a fundraising organisation which supports UK stage charities.

The publication also states that the actor left £10,000 each for the Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Trust, Southwark Cathedral, arts charity Snipe Charitable Trust, and aid organisation, Medecins Sans Frontiers UK.

English actor Timothy West, holding his CBE, with his wife Prunella Scales and their son, British actor Samuel West, London, UK, 4th December 1984© Getty Images
English actor Timothy West, holding his CBE, with his wife Prunella Scales and their son, British actor Samuel West

It's believed that he also left some of his estate to Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, as well his sister, Patricia Anne West. The remainder of his estate - a sum of £29,892 - passes to his wife, Prunella, who appeared alongside the acting legend in the hit Channel 4 show, Great Canal Journeys.

At the time of his death, Timothy's children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West said in a statement 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.

Sam West with partner Laura Wade and his father Timothy West with wife Prunella Scales attend the after party following the press night of The Lover/The Collection, at the Adam Street Club on January 29, 2008 in London, England© Getty Images
Sam West with his parents Timothy and Prunella

"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 West and Prunella Scales attending the gala opening of the new London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art centre, London© Getty Images
Timothy West and Prunella Scales attending the gala opening of the new London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art centre

In 1984, the late acting icon was appointed CBE for his services to drama in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Timothy West: 5 top roles

Media Image© Getty Images

1. The Day of the Jackal (1973)

In one of his earliest major film roles, Timothy played Commissioner Berthier in this political thriller, and he brought presence to the film as the head of the French police. 

2. King Lear (1971-2016)

Throughout his career, Timothy tackled this intense Shakespeare character four times, notably playing the role for the Bristol Old Vic and the English Touring Theatre. 

3. Edward the King (1975)

Timothy starred in this ITV drama - otherwise known as Edward the Seventh - as the Prince of Wales who eventually becomes King Edward VII. The role was one of his career-defining moments that gained him a lot of recognition and praise. 

4. Brass (1982-1990)

Timothy played the pompous mine owner, Bradley Hardacre, in this cult classic and was one of TV's greatest, grumpiest stars. 

5. EastEnders (2014-2015)

In this beloved Britsh soap opera, Timothy played Stan Carter who was introduced as the father of Shirley and Tina Carter. He stayed in the show for a year before he was killed off in a heartbreaking storyline. 

Timothy was also married to actor Jacqueline Boyer from 1956 to 1961, and they had a daughter, Juliet West. He went on to marry Prunella in 1963, with the pair welcoming their first child, Samuel, in 1966.

Samuel West and Cleo Sylvestre in All Creatures© Channel 5
Samuel West and Cleo Sylvestre in All Creatures

Their eldest son has followed in his parents' footsteps and has appeared in several TV shows, including Howards End and All Creatures Great and Small in which he stars as Siegfried Farnon.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Timothy West remembered after passing away at 90

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