Her family confirmed the sad news in a statement, revealing that she had been living with cancer before her death.
They said: “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.”
They added: “The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
She was best known for playing Margo Leadbetter in the BBC sitcom The Good Life, which ran throughout the 1970s, before starring as Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton in To the Manor Born. Both series remain among the country’s most celebrated television comedies.
Alongside her acting career, Dame Penelope fronted a number of television documentaries and programmes exploring Britain’s villages, stately homes and heritage, earning a loyal following long after her sitcom success.
Tributes have already begun to pour in from fans and her friends across the entertainment industry.
One person sadly shared, “She really was terrific, another comedy great gone but never to be forgotten.” Another X user wrote, “What rotten news about Penelope Keith. The quintessential English lady. And what a comedic talent, too. Here’s an admission – I had quite the crush on her from my late teens.” While a third added, “Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith, she was amazing in The Good Life. She is a national treasure, sending condolences to her family and friends.”
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