‘The Good Life’ star Dame Penelope Keith dies aged 86

Famed actress Dame Penelope Keith has died at the age of 86, according to a statement released by her family on Monday, June 29. The Surrey-born actress, best known for her roles in British sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born, “died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey,” according to the statement. 

Dame Penelope’s family makes a statement about the actress’ passing

“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 statement on behalf of her family said. 

“The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

Dame Penelope is perhaps best known for her role as the snobbish, social-climbing Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life. She also played widowed aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To the Manor Born, a popular programme that received stellar ratings from British audiences.

The actress was made a dame in 2014 for her acts of service to the community and for her charity work.

Tributes pour in for the sitcom icon: ‘Dearly loved’ and an ‘utter genius’

Many admirers, friends, and loved ones of Dame Penelope took to social media to express their heartbreak at the news and marvel at the actress’ impressive and influential career. Sue Perkins, a comedian and presenter, praised Dame Penelope, calling her the “creator of some of the greatest sitcom characters of all time.”

Gyles Brandreth, a broadcaster, also shared words, stating Dame Penelope was “such a special lady – a wonderful actress, a real friend, so funny, so generous with the time she gave to good causes.”

Brandreth stated, “Hers was indeed a good life.”

Sir Jeremy Hunt, the former culture secretary, stated, “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.”

Hunt continued, “She helped Britain laugh at itself, one of our best national qualities, and brought happiness to millions. RIP dear Penny.”

Novelist Lissa Evans also made a statement, pointing out Dame Penelope’s incredible ability to make characters who should be unlikable beloved. “Margo Leadbetter was snobbish, humourless and entitled, and Penelope Keith managed to make her into one of the most adored (and oddly vulnerable) characters ever seen on a sitcom,” she stated. “She delivered every line as if it were a jewelled crown on a velvet cushion. An utter genius.”

BAFTA also shared condolences for the acclaimed actress, who described her as “a familiar face on stage and screen.”

A celebrated six-decade career on stage and screen

Dame Penelope joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963, and became a household name for her performance in The Good Life from 1975.

Dame Penelope’s career spanned more than six decades of film and television, for which she earned various nominations and accolades for her performances. She received two BAFTA Awards and was nominated for three more, and she also won an Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance in 1976.

Since the 2000s, Dame Penelope shifted to working largely in theatre; she played Madame Arcati in a production of Blithe Spirit in 2004, as well as Lady Bracknell in a production of The Importance of Being Earnest in 2007.