British actress Dame Penelope Keith, known for her roles in 1970s TV comedies like The Good Life and To the Manor Born, has died at the age of 86.
Her family announced in a statement that the actress passed away at her home in Surrey after a long battle with cancer. The news has sparked numerous displays of affection from colleagues and fans. Actress Felicity Kendal, who co-starred with her in The Good Life, described her as "a true comedy genius" and stated that it was "a privilege to know her and work alongside her."
Keith rose to fame with her portrayal of Margo Leadbetter, the sophisticated and snobbish neighbor of the main characters in The Good Life. Later, she played Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, a widowed aristocrat forced to sell the family estate in To the Manor Born, as reported by the BBC.
In the statement, the family expressed deep sorrow for the loss and thanked for the attention and support received by the actress during her treatment, while also requesting respect for their privacy at this time.
Among those who have paid tribute to the actress are presenter and comedian Sue Perkins, who described her as the creator of some of the most memorable characters in the history of TV comedy, and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who remembered her as an exceptional actress, a loyal friend, and a generous and funny person.
Former Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt also mourned her passing, highlighting that Keith "helped the British laugh at themselves" and brought joy to millions of viewers.
Born in Surrey, Penelope Keith joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 and in 1976 received the Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance for the playDonkey's Years. Her popularity soared a year earlier thanks to The Good Life, a role for which she won the BAFTA for Best Light Entertainment Performance in 1977.
The series told the story of Tom and Barbara Good, a couple trying to be self-sufficient by turning their garden into a farm and raising animals, much to the dismay of their refined neighbor Margo. In 2004, a BBC survey ranked it among the top ten British comedies of all time.
Subsequently, Keith starred in To the Manor Born, whose first season finale in 1979 attracted nearly 24 million viewers, becoming the most-watched non-live program on British television during that decade.
In 2014, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contribution to the arts and charitable work.