**Beloved Actor Timothy West Donates Large Portion of Estate to Charity Following His Death**
Renowned British actor Timothy West, who passed away late last year at the age of 90, has been revealed to have left a significant portion of his estate to various charitable causes, according to details of his will made public recently. West, best known for his diverse roles on both stage and screen, including appearances in television classics such as EastEnders, Coronation Street, Brass, and Not Going Out, died peacefully in November, surrounded by his loved ones at a care facility. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over six decades.
The actor, who was married for more than 60 years to Prunella Scales—himself a household name for her role as Sybil in the iconic sitcom Fawlty Towers—had a deep commitment to the arts and humanitarian work, reflected clearly in the legacy he left behind. Official probate documents confirm the gross value of West’s estate was assessed at £221,425, a figure which reduced to £109,892 after accounting for outstanding debts and other deductions.
A detailed breakdown of his will shows West’s enduring support for a range of charitable organisations. Among the beneficiaries were the Snipe Charitable Trust, who received £10,000. This organisation, notably, assists in providing educational opportunities and arts training for young people. Similarly, donations of £10,000 each were directed to both the Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Trust, two significant institutions in the field of British performing arts, as well as to Southwark Cathedral, underlining West’s appreciation for both the theatrical world and the wider community.
West’s concern for global healthcare was demonstrated through a £10,000 donation to Médecins Sans Frontières UK (Doctors Without Borders), an international humanitarian organisation renowned for its medical aid initiatives. Additionally, he allocated £5,000 to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, supporting those with visual impairments, and a further £15,000 to The Combined Theatrical Charities Appeals Council, which provides funding and support to theatrical charities throughout the country.
Family remained central in West’s final wishes. His sister, Patricia Anne West of Sheffield, was left £20,000. According to the will, the remainder of his estate was to be inherited by his wife, Prunella Scales. Notably, an amendment made to the will in March 2024 expressed a joint intent with his wife to provide their son Sam with £300,000 towards the substantial renovation of his home.
Sam West, himself a distinguished actor, stage director, and narrator at the age of 58, has built a career in theatre, radio, film and television, echoing his father’s celebrated journey in British drama. Timothy West also had another son, Joseph, and a daughter, Juliet, from his previous marriage to actress Jacqueline Boyer.
Prunella Scales, for her part, has faced health challenges in recent years, notably being diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014. The enduring partnership between West and Scales has been recognised as one of the most cherished in British performing arts, both for their joint professional ventures and for their devotion to each other as partners and creative collaborators.
The distribution of West’s estate reflects a lifetime of dedication not just to performance, but to supporting other artists and those in need. His donations will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in advancing the causes he held dear and advancing opportunities for others within the arts.
West’s generosity, both in life and in his final acts, highlights a spirit of benevolence that has long been evident to his colleagues, friends, and supporters across the nation. In doing so, he joins a long tradition of British actors whose charitable outreach continues to have a positive impact long after their greatest curtain calls.
As fans and the theatre community mourn the loss of a true giant of British drama, it is clear that Timothy West’s influence will be felt for years to come, not only through his memorable performances but through the opportunities and aid made possible by his parting gifts.