Trigger warning: This article mentions death, reader discretion is advised.Dame Penelope Keith, best known for roles in sitcoms like ‘The Good Life’ and ‘To The Manor Born’, has passed away. She was 86 and had been battling cancer.
Dame Penelope Keith passes away at 86
Famed veteran star Dame Penelope Keith, best known for her work on the long-running sitcom ‘The Good Life’, has passed away, the BBC reported. Her family confirmed the news to the public in an official statement and revealed that she had been suffering from cancer for a long time. Their statement read, “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years. The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”Tributes also poured in for the veteran star after the news of her passing was made public. The report stated that Felicity Kendal, her co-star from ‘The Good Life’, called her a “comic genius” and said that she was an absolute joy to work with. She further added, “The shows I worked on with her were such special times in our lives and demonstrated her comic genius. My heart goes out to her beloved Rodney at this time; theirs was a great love story and partnership. She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed.”Comedian and presenter Sue Perkins took to her Instagram account to share her tribute for the veteran actress, writing that Keith was a “creator of some of the greatest sitcom characters of all time.” Along with this, former culture secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt also posted on his social media page that “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith CBE. She was a neighbour and friend where she was dearly loved by all who knew her in Milford. She helped Britain laugh at itself, one of our best national qualities, and brought happiness to millions. RIP dear Penny.”
About Dame Penelope Keith
Keith was born in Surrey, and started in the acting industry at an early age. She started in theatre, and was a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963. She acted in a wide variety of theatre productions before transferring to TV. She gained recognition as Margo in ‘The Good Life’, and even landed a BAFTA Award. Over the years, the show has been rated as one of the best and most-watched shows on TV.
