Penelope Keith, star of The Good Life and To The Manor Born, has died aged 86.
In a statement, the family of the actress said that she died peacefully at home after a battle with cancer.
The statement: "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.”
Keith became popular after her role as Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life where she starred alongside Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal and Paul Eddington.
Keith later played Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To The Manor Born opposite Peter Bowles. Her work in television also included roles in The Norman Conquests, Executive Stress, No Job For A Lady and Next Of Kin.
Kendal payed tribute to her co-star, she said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Penelope’s death. 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.”
The actress was also involved in the charity Actors’ Benevolent Fund where she served as the president of the charity that supports actors and offers career and wellbeing support to industry professionals.
Actors’ Benevolent Fund payed tribute to the actress on their website. They said: "Actors’ Trust is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dame Penelope Keith, former president of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. Serving as president of the ABF from 1989 – 2022, Dame Penelope contributed substantially to building the charity’s assets and growing its reach and impact. Dame Penelope’s enormous contribution as president of the ABF for over 30 years cannot be overstated, and we are immensely grateful for her compassion and dedication to the charity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this very sad time."
