Samuel West was born into an acting dynasty all creatures great and small is the son of a star gentleman jack star timothy west and Faulty Towers Actress Prunella Scales.
In a new interview with many timesThe actor reflected on how his parents’ names may have helped him gain some parts, while also admitting that he “didn’t know” who he was after their deaths, which occurred within a year of each other.
He told the publication: “I feel extremely privileged, not just as a straight white man who was born in an industrial society whose parents were quite affluent, but as someone who went into the family business and knew my way around.
“I don’t think it’s because of my parents that I got the jobs, but maybe I got the auditions. I can’t separate my career from the lucky start I had. Without them I’m not sure I know who I am. I hope I’m gonna figure it out,
Samuel is best known for playing veterinarian Siegfried Farnon in Channel 5’s hit period drama, All Creatures Great and Small. The 59-year-old actor has also starred in Darkest Hour, The Gentlemen and Slow Horses.
Death of Timothy and Prunella
Timothy died on 12 November 2024 at the age of 90. The news was confirmed by his three children in a statement, which read: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our beloved father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep last evening. He was 90.
“At the end Tim was surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We will all miss him dearly.
© Ian West – PA Images, Getty“We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his final days.”
Timothy’s wife of 61 years, Prunella Scales, tragically died less than a year after her late husband, with the actress passing away on 27 October 2025 at the age of 93.
© GettySamuel was close to both his parents and spoke on BBC Radio 4 last wordsHe reflected on his feelings that neither of his parents would see him perform as Malvolio in Shakespeare’s twelfth Night,
“I mean, the first time we did it, it was right after my dad died, and I did it for them, but the idea that none of them will see it now makes me very sad, but I mean, they’ll see it anyway,” he said.
© Dan Wooler/Shutterstock“People said that after her death, they would reunite in heaven, wandering in the canals, but actually, knowing my parents, I think they were more likely to visit some agitprop play.”
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