Felicity Kendal has branded Dame Penelope Keith a “comic genius” who was “a joy to know and work with” following her death aged 86.
The Good Life actress, whose death was announced on Monday, was best known for playing Margo Leadbetter in the BBC sitcom, as well as the widowed aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To The Manor Born.
Ms Keith had been diagnosed with cancer.
In her statement, Ms Kendal said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Penelope’s death.
Penelope Keith has died aged 86
| GETTY"The shows I worked on with her were such special times in our lives and demonstrated her comic genius.
"My heart goes out to her beloved Rodney at this time, theirs was a great love story and partnership.
"She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed," she told PA.
Ms Keith's family released a statement of their own in which they said they were “deeply saddened” to announce that she had “died peacefully whilst living with cancer” at her home in Surrey.
Penelope Keith had battled cancer before her death
|GETTY
The statement continued: “The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
Fans and famous faces have echoed Ms Kendal's tribute to Dame Penelope.
On X, former MEP Annunziata Rees-Mogg was one of the first to react: "RIP Dame Penelope Keith. A true national treasure."
Elsewhere, MP Sir Jeremy Hunt penned "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith CBE.
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Paul Eddington, Penelope Keith, Felicity Kendal and Richard Briers on the set of The Good Life in 1975
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"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 and brought happiness to millions. RIP dear Penny."
And presenter Piers Morgan weighed in: "RIP Penelope Keith. One of Britain’s funniest ladies. Thanks for all the laughs." (sic)
Dame Penelope started her career on the stage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963, but it was her work in sitcoms that endeared her to the nation.
She won a Bafta in 1977 for playing snobbish bullying social climber Margo, who later reveals a heart of gold.
Felicity Kendal branded her co-star a 'comic genius'
|GETTY
Away from The Good Life and To the Manor Barn, Ms Keith also appeared in sitcoms Executive Stress, No Job For A Lady and Next Of Kin.
She also won a Bafta for a TV adaptation of The Norman Conquests, in a role she reprised after a run on stage.
RIP Dame Penelope Keith.
— Annunziata Rees-Mogg (@zatzi) June 29, 2026
A true national treasure.
She also lent her voice to adverts, including Pimm’s, Lurpak, and most famously, the Parker Pen Company, which was named one of the 100 greatest adverts.