Prunella Scales
- Biography
-
Prunella Scales (born Prunella Margaret Rumney Illingworth; 22 June 1932) is an English actress of stage, television and film. She is best known for her roles as Mollie Sugden in the BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? (1972–1985) and Sybil Fawlty in the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers (1975–1979).
Early Life
Prunella Scales was born in Sutton Abinger, Surrey, England, to a middle-class family. Her father, Henry Illingworth, was a British Army officer and her mother, Prunella Margaret Rumney, was a homemaker. She was educated at Wycombe Abbey School, an all-girls boarding school in Buckinghamshire. She then attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where she trained as an actress.
Career
Scales began her career in the theatre, appearing in productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest and The Crucible. She made her film debut in the 1957 film The Smallest Show on Earth. She went on to appear in a number of films, including The Pumpkin Eater (1964), The Bed Sitting Room (1969) and The Great Muppet Caper (1981).
Scales is best known for her television roles, particularly as Mollie Sugden in the BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? (1972–1985) and Sybil Fawlty in the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers (1975–1979). She also appeared in the BBC drama series Tenko (1981–1984) and the ITV drama series Midsomer Murders (1997–present).
In addition to her acting career, Scales has also written two books, a memoir entitled Mustn't Grumble (2006) and a novel, The Other Side of the Dale (2008).
Awards and Honours
Scales has been recognised for her work with numerous awards and honours. In 1975, she was awarded the BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for her role in Are You Being Served? In 1979, she was awarded the BAFTA TV Award for Best Comedy Performance for her role in Fawlty Towers. In 1981, she was awarded the Royal Television Society Award for Best Actress for her role in Tenko.
In 2000, she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to drama. In 2004, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath.
Personal Life
Scales has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Timothy West in 1963. The couple had two children, Samuel and Josephine. They divorced in 1976. Her second marriage was to actor Timothy West in 1978. The couple remain married to this day.
Scales is a patron of the British Red Cross and a supporter of the Alzheimer's Society. She is also a patron of the charity Age UK.
Date modified: Apr 5, 2023We seek for an accuracy and correctness in our content. In case you spot any mistake, please contact us
biogs you may want to read
-
Abdul-Rahman al-BarrakAbdul-Rahman al-Barrak was a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia, advocating for reform and human rights. He served on the Shura Council and Council of Senior Scholars, criticizing the government's policies and treatment of women. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to fight for a more just and equitable society.
-
Carmen SevillaCarmen Sevilla was a beloved Spanish actress, singer, and television presenter. She was known for her passionate performances and warm personality, and was a pioneer for women in the entertainment industry. She appeared in over 50 films and television shows, released several albums, and hosted several popular television shows. She passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of music, acting, and television hosting.
-
Angela MortimerAngela Mortimer was a British tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles, two Grand Slam doubles titles, and was a four-time runner-up in singles. She was also a member of the British Fed Cup team and won the Wightman Cup four times. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1981 and is remembered as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time.
-
Sol WachtlerSol Wachtler was an influential figure in the New York judiciary, reforming the court system and establishing the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. He was born in Brooklyn, attended Brooklyn College and New York University School of Law, and worked as a law clerk, assistant district attorney, and judge. He was later arrested and sentenced to prison for extortion. His legacy will continue to be felt in the New York legal system.
-
Jean-Marie Le PenJean-Marie Le Pen was a French politician and founder of the far-right National Front party. He was a vocal opponent of immigration and multiculturalism, a strong advocate for French nationalism, and a critic of the European Union. He was convicted of inciting racial hatred and retired from politics in 2017. His legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
-
Gary GraffmanGary Graffman was a renowned pianist, teacher, and conductor. He was a student of Rudolf Serkin and performed with many of the world's leading orchestras. His recordings of Beethoven, Brahms, and Chopin are considered among the finest ever made. He was also a noted teacher, and his students included Leon Fleisher, Peter Serkin, and Richard Goode. Graffman's legacy lives on in his recordings and students.