The Good Life star Dame Penelope Keith dies aged 86

She was known for her appearances in the sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born.

A statement on behalf of Dame Penelope’s family 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.

“The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

RIP Penelope Keith. Such a talented actress with brilliant timing and an accent that could cut glass. Loved watching her pic.twitter.com/9WmInFvjCk

— Rach (@IsItRaquel) June 29, 2026

Among those to pay tribute was the MP Jeremy Hunt who posted 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.”

The career of Dame Penelope Keith

Keith was born in Sutton, Surrey, in 1940, and she went to a Catholic convent boarding school in Seaford at the age of six.

Dame Penelope Keith collected a CBE from the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 (Image: PA Wire)

It was here she became interested in acting and frequently went to matinées in the West End with her mother.

Keith joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 and went on to win the 1976 Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance for the play Donkeys’ Years.

She became a household name in the UK playing Margo Leadbetter in the sitcom The Good Life (1975–78), winning the 1977 BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance.

In 1978, Keith won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress for The Norman Conquests.

In her later career, she presented some documentary series for the BBC and Channel 4.

She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to the arts and to charity.

Were you a fan of Dame Penelope Keith’s work? Let us know in the comments.