Dame Penelope Keith, star of The Good Life, dies aged 86

Actress and TV presenter Dame Penelope Keith has died aged 86.

In a statement, her family said they were "deeply saddened" to announce that she had died peacefully at her home in Surrey, where she had lived for more than 50 years.

The star had been living with cancer, they 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 was known for her appearances in the sitcoms The Good Life and To The Manor Born, with the former earning her a BAFTA in 1977.

She played snobbish social climber Margo Leadbetter in the series, opposite Paul Eddington as husband Jerry, and Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal as their self-sufficient neighbours Tom and Barbara Good.

Kendal was among those sharing tributes, remembering her co-star as a "comic genius" who was "a joy to know and work with".

Following the announcement, membership organisations SOLT (Society of London Theatre) and UK Theatre said West End theatres would dim their lights for two minutes in tribute, at 7pm on Wednesday.

Sitcoms, theatre and famous ads

Dame Penelope started her career on the stage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963, but became a household name for her work in sitcoms, also starring in Executive Stress, No Job For A Lady, and Next Of Kin.

In To The Manor Born, which first aired in 1979, she played the aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her vast country estate, Grantleigh Manor, after the death of her husband - but managing to keep her butler and Rolls-Royce.

The actress will also be remembered for a memorable staircase appearance in the 1977 Christmas edition of The Morecambe & Wise Show, as well as starring in dramas such as Death Comes To Pemberley.

She also presented shows including Penelope Keith And The Fast Lady, about Edwardian "it girl" and motoring pioneer Dorothy Levitt, Penelope Keith At Her Majesty's Service, commemorating the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, and Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages and Coastal Villages.

Her famous voice was also lent to adverts, for brands including Pimm's, Lurpak, and most famously, the Parker Pen Company - once named one of the 100 greatest adverts.

The star succeeded Laurence Olivier as president of the Actors' Benevolent Fund after his death in 1989, leaving in 2022.

Since 2000, Dame Penelope had worked mainly in the theatre, with her roles including Madam Arcati in Blithe Spirit and Lady Bracknell in The Importance Of Being Earnest.

An ambassador for the former Prince's Foundation For Children & The Arts, she was made a dame for services to the arts and charity in 2014.

The actress was married to Rodney Timson, a former police officer, and the couple adopted two sons.

'She helped Britain laugh at itself'

Paying tribute, BAFTA described Dame Penelope as "a familiar face on stage and screen" and highlighted her history at the awards - winning the gong for best actress for The Norman Conquests / Saving It For Albie, as well as her award for The Good Life, and receiving a further three nominations throughout her career.

Voiceover agency QVoice, which represented her, described her as "an exceptionally talented, multi-award winning actress for both stage and television", and added: "More importantly she was a much-loved client and friend. Our thoughts are with her family today."

SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executive Claire Walker said the star would "undoubtedly be remembered for many years to come as one of this country's most venerated actors".

MP Jeremy Hunt was also among those sharing tributes, writing on X: "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith CBE. She was a neighbour & 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, & brought happiness to millions. RIP dear Penny."

Many fans sharing tributes on X highlighted the Morecambe & Wise appearance along with her famous sitcom characters, and described her as "a national treasure".

(c) Sky News 2026: Dame Penelope Keith, star of The Good Life, dies aged 86