Veteran Actor Timothy West Dead at 90: A Life on Stage and Screen
It's always a bummer to hear about the passing of a legend, and today we're saying goodbye to Timothy West, a giant of British theater and film who died at the ripe old age of 90. This guy was a real pro, gracing stages for decades and appearing in some of the most iconic shows and movies.
West was born in 1934 and, after studying drama, he made his stage debut in 1956. He was a true chameleon, taking on roles in everything from Shakespeare to modern plays. His career was jam-packed with incredible performances, but a few standouts were his roles in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" (1967), "The Canterbury Tales" (1972), and "The Jewel in the Crown" (1984).
Beyond the stage, West also enjoyed a successful film and television career. He was a familiar face on British television, appearing in shows like "Doctor Who" (he played the role of the Doctor's first arch-nemesis, the Great Intelligence) and "Coronation Street". But he also crossed over to Hollywood, landing parts in films like "The Day of the Jackal" (1973) and "The Thirty-Nine Steps" (1978).
It's no exaggeration to say that West was a national treasure. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama in 2007, and he continued to act well into his 80s. His last major role was in 2020 in the film "The King's Speech".
West is survived by his wife, actress Prunella Scales, and their son, Samuel West, also a well-known actor. He leaves behind a legacy of incredible performances that will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. Rest in peace, Timothy West. You were a legend.