Timothy West has died peacefully in his sleep aged 90 "with his friends and family at the end," his family said.
The actor, who was married to fellow actor Prunella Scales for 61 years, is known for his extensive experience as a theatre actor.
© James Gourley/ShutterstockHe's racked up TV credits in Coronation Street, EastEnders and Gentleman Jack. Together, Timothy and his wife Prunella presented the adored show, Great Canal Journeys.
His children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West said in a statement 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.
"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.
© Getty"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."
During his career, the actor also played former British prime minister Winston Churchill three times, in From Churchill and The Generals (1979), The Last Bastion (1984), and Hiroshima (1995).
In 1984, the late acting icon was appointed CBE for his services to drama in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Prior to acting, he had attended the John Lyon School and Bristol Grammar School, and worked as an office furniture salesman and a recording technician before becoming an assistant stage manager at Wimbledon Theatre in 1956.
© GettyTimothy married Fawlty Towers star Prunella in 1963. Three years after tying the knot, the pair welcomed their first child together, Samuel, in 1966.
Samuel has gone on to become an actor like his parents and these days is best known for his role in Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small.
They also have a younger son named Joseph who has joined his famous parents on their programme, Great Canal Journeys.
Timothy was also married to actor Jacqueline Boyer from 1956 to 1961, and they had a daughter, Juliet West.
© Dave M. BenettTimothy and Prunella have always been refreshingly open about their marriage, often sharing the secret behind their lasting happiness.
In a candid interview with The Times, Prunella reflected on their bond, saying: "I think I'm a very lucky lady. I'm married to a fascinating person whom I love deeply, and I'm endlessly interested in him. So it's never been a challenge."
She added: "If I had an unhappy marriage, if I were married to someone I didn’t connect with, I would be an entirely different person."
