Timothy West, who died last month, enjoyed a six decade stage and screen career.

Timothy West was a thespian to the end his son Samuel has revealed. The legendary star of stage and screen died at the age of 90 on November 12 this year.

Samuel, 58, who followed in his parents footsteps and became an actor, intimated his father’s time of death was 6.55pm, which is a significant time in the thetre world as it is widely acknowledged as the “half-hour call” for stage actors. “I thought that was rather beautiful,” Samuel said in a new interview.

All Creatures Great and Small star Samuel told The Sunday Times Timothy’s end was peaceful. The late actor previously enquired of his son: “Where are you going to rehearsals?”

“No more visitors backstage. He took a deep breath in the wings and went on,” he reflected, while sharing his final words.

Timothy’s death was announced in a statement from his children – Samuel and his siblings Juliet and Joseph West, which was issued by his agent.

“After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old,” it said.

“Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.

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

Timothy was a well known face on British screens following numerous roles including parts in popular soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, and the long running BBC sitcom Not Going Out and ITV’s Brass. He also made countless stage apperances during his six decade career.

More recently he and wife Prunella starred in the popular Channel 4 series, Great Canal Journeys, from 2014 to 2019. The heartwarming travelogue saw the couple touring UK and overseas canals together. Sadly, Fawlty Towers legend Prunella, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, was forced to quit the show as her health failed. The couple were replaced by Gyles Brandreth and Sheila Hancock.

Acclaimed actor Timothy West died in November atthe age of 90. (Image: Getty)

An inquest into the death began last week and revealed previously unknown and tragic details about his passing.

Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin launched the inquest at Westminster Coroner’s Court. During proceedings it was revealed the actor died in a care home and his body was identified by a nurse in the facility.

“The deceased was identified as Timothy West, a British citizen, aged 90 years, born on October 20, 1934 in Bradford. He was an actor, husband of Prunella West,” she said.

The inquest has been adjourned for a review in February 2025.