It’s one of the most iconic British TV programmes of all time
Fawlty Towers is a household name in the realm of iconic British telly. The renowned comedy graced our screens for just two series in 1975 and 1979, yet it remains a staple in homes across the nation.
The sitcom chronicled the eccentric escapades of Torquay hotelier Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil as they strived to keep their hotel and marriage intact. The 12 episodes were co-penned by John Cleese and Connie Booth.
It’s been decades since the show first made its debut, but several of the original cast members went on to enjoy highly successful careers. Here’s a glimpse at what the iconic characters got up to once Fawlty Towers concluded.
Prunella Scales – Sybil Fawlty
Prunella Scales went on to feature in a number of successful films beyond the series. She starred in Howard’s End and The Boys from Brazil, reports the Mirror.
She also secured roles in Escape from the Dark, The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Hound of the Baskervilles. The actress received a Bafta nomination for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in A Question of Attribution by Alan Bennett.
Scales was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, and as her condition deteriorated, she chose to retire from television. It was announced on Tuesday 28 October, 2025 that Prunella had passed away at the age of 93.
Her family released a statement which said: “Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93. Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”
The statement added: “Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024. She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.”
John Cleese – Basil Fawlty
John Cleese portrayed hotel proprietor Basil Fawlty who was renowned for his outbursts, discourtesy towards guests and aspirations to ascend the social ladder. The part earned Cleese the Best Entertainment Performance BAFTA in 1980.
John was wed to co-star and co-writer Connie Booth who portrayed Polly, but the pair separated before the second series was broadcast. The actor and comic went on to have two further marriages before wedding wife Jennifer.
When the series concluded, John made additional Monty Python films and appeared in Bond films as Q’s assistant and Q, as well as A Fish Called Wanda and Clockwise. Other projects included the Harry Potter franchise, Shrek, Will and Grace and BBC sitcom Hold The Sunset. In 2016, he brought Basil back to life for a Specsavers advert and has also spoken out in defence of Fawlty Towers when its controversial language has come into question.
Andrew Sachs – Manuel
Andrew Sachs portrayed Spanish waiter Manuel during his time on Fawlty Towers. The actor went on to play the hotel manager in Are You Being Served? and appeared in soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street. Alongside voice-over and radio work, Sachs also featured in Doctor Who: Shada and That Peter Kay Thing.
Back in 2008, Sachs became the victim of a prank call, where Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross left inappropriate messages about Brand having sex with his granddaughter Georgina Baillie. This sparked a massive scandal and led to an apology from the BBC, Brand resigning and Ross being suspended. The father-of-three was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2012 and sadly passed away four years later.
Brian Hall – Terry Hughes
Brian Hall only appeared in the second series of Fawlty Towers but is recognised for playing cockney chef Terry Hughes. After departing Fawlty Towers, Hall went on to star in Break in the Sun, Sweeney 2 and McVicar.
The actor passed away in September 1997 at the age of 59, following a three-year battle with cancer. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he told The Mirror: “Cancer is a bully and I hate bullies. This old boy cancer will get about as much change out of me as all the other bullies I’ve met – nothing.”
Ballard Berkeley – Major Gowen
ajor Gowen, a permanent resident at the hotel, was portrayed by actor Ballard Berkeley. Known for his controversial views, many of Major Gowen’s offensive lines have been edited out in repeats.
Berkeley starred in popular TV shows such as Hi-de-Hi! and To The Manor Born, and even had a small role in Are You Being Served? His final role was a voiceover in the animated film The BFG. Tragically, he didn’t get to see the completed project hit screens as he passed away in 1988.
Connie Booth – Polly Sherman
Connie Booth co-wrote and co-starred in Fawlty Towers with her then-husband Cleese, playing the role of waitress and maid Polly Sherman.
She and Cleese have a daughter named Cynthia and remained on good terms while they filmed the show. The actress went on to appear in shows such as The Tomorrow People and The Buccaneers, as well as the TV film The Return of Sherlock Holmes. In 1995, Booth retired from acting and pursued a career as a psychotherapist.
Bernard Cribbins – Mr Hutchinson
Bernard Cribbins OBE appeared in the show as spoons salesman Mr Hutchinson, but Basil soon became convinced he was a hotel inspector.
The actor’s career spanned over 70 years and he landed several big roles including starring in three Carry On films and appearing alongside David Tennant and Catherine Tate in Doctor Who. He married his wife Gillian in 1955 and in July 2022, it was announced that the veteran actor had sadly died at the age of 93.
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