British Actor Timothy West, Known for ‘EastEnders,’ ‘Coronation Street,’ Dies at 90

Timothy West attends the LAMDA (London academy of music & dramatic art) Royal Gala on June 14, 2017. Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

British stage and screen luminary Timothy West, famed for his Shakespearean performances in London productions of “Henry IV” and “King Lear,” among other plays, has died at the age of 90, his family has confirmed.

In a statement posted to X on Wednesday, West’s three children—Juliet, Samuel, and Joseph West—wrote that the actor passed away on the evening of Nov. 12 while surrounded by his friends and family.

“After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep,” they shared.

“We would like to thank the incredible [National Health Service] staff at St. George’s Hospital, Tooting, and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days.”

Born on Oct. 20, 1934, in Bradford, England, West was seemingly destined to pursue a career in the performing arts.

His late father, actor Lockwood West—who died in March 1989—was renowned for his roles on the big and small screens, appearing in “Pride and Prejudice” (1952), “The Scarf” (1959), “Bedazzled” (1967), and “The Dresser” (1983), among other films and television series.

Following in his father’s footsteps, West enjoyed an illustrious acting career spanning more than 60 years.

He spent his early years immersed in theater, working as an assistant stage manager at the Wimbledon Theatre before making his London stage debut in 1959.

West went on to helm leading roles in many Shakespeare plays, including a 1977 production of the tragedy “Hamlet,” in which he played Claudius, the brother of King Hamlet. In a 1996 production of “Henry IV,” West took on the role of Falstaff, sharing the stage with his son Samuel, who portrayed Prince Hal.

With more than 150 film and television credits to his name, West is perhaps best known for his performances in British drama series, such as “Brass,” “Coronation Street,” “EastEnders,” and “Gentleman Jack.”

The actor was featured in a few adaptations of Charles Dickens’s novels, including “Hard Times,” “Oliver Twist,” and “Bleak House.” He also starred in various television series inspired by Agatha Christie’s mystery novels, such as “Miss Marple: A Pocketful of Rye,” and “Poirot,” and appeared in the 1979 film “Agatha.”

West’s other film credits include “Cry Freedom” (1987), “Ever After: A Cinderella Story” (1998), “102 Dalmatians” (2000), “Iris” (2001), and “Endgame” (2009).

Tributes Pour In

In the wake of West’s passing, many of his fellow stage and film performers took to social media to share their heartfelt tributes and honor his legacy.

British broadcaster Piers Morgan called West “a wonderful actor and delightful man” on Instagram.

Actor James Dreyfus shared a similar sentiment on X. “Marvellous actor. A constant in many of our lives,” Dreyfus wrote. “He shall be much missed. My thoughts with his family. RIP Timothy West.”

Responding to Samuel West’s statement on X, British comedian Sarah Millican wrote, “So sorry for your loss.”

“It can be of little comfort, Sam, but your father’s work was so authentic and empathetic that though I did not in reality know him - he made me feel as if I did,” commented sports and political commentator Keith Olbermann. “My sincere condolences.”

Timothy West looks on at the launch of Talking Statues in central London, Aug. 19, 2014. Philip Toscano/PA via AP

“I’m so sorry, Samuel. Your dad was one of the very best,” shared actor Jamie Hogarth. “Thoughts are with you and the family.”

The Theatre Royal in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, called West a “much-loved life patron.”

“We are incredibly sad to hear of his passing,” the Regency playhouse wrote. “We send our warmest and most heart-felt condolences to you, Prunella and all of your family and friends at this sad time.”

Gyles Brandreth, a former member of the UK’s Parliament, also shared a touching tribute to West online.

“Cheers, Tim! A marvellous man - a marvellous actor, husband, father, friend. On stage, on screen, on a canal boat, on the end of a pier (he loved a seaside pier!), in the garden with a glass of wine, he was just the best,” Brandreth wrote. “He has died at 90: what a worthwhile, well-filled life.”

In addition to his three children, West is survived by his wife of 61 years, Prunella Scales, his sister, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

“All of us will miss him terribly,” his children noted in their statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.