🔗 Share this article

Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for embodying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the classic TV sitcom the series Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the 96 years old, according to.

Beyond that, she appeared in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and portrayed the BBC's crime-solving retiree Hetty Wainthropp.

"We mournfully announce to share the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep recently in the presence of family."

"Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia's dedication to acting and for reaching out to fans remained strong, just as modern audiences keep discovering her work through her cherished television roles."

Her agent noted: "She leaves a void by her family and friends and by her devoted admirers worldwide."

A Life in the Spotlight

Patricia Routledge was best known as the character Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a funny persona who exemplified the height of English pretension and snobbery.

"She is a wonderfully awful character and I loved portraying her enormously," the actress said.

This classic sitcom was broadcast from 1990 to 95, and the following year she was chosen as the most beloved female performer at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

Additionally, she found acclaim on stage as well as screen after beginning her professional life in the stage in the mid-20th century.

After appearances in the West End, she established herself in the US when she was awarded the Broadway trophy for outstanding actress in a musical on New York theater for Darling of the Day in 1968.

Her talents extended at dramatic roles as she was at musicals and comedy - she appeared in Richard III and Henry V at the RSC, then earned an Olivier Award for best actress in a musical for Candide in the eighties.

The 80s also witnessed her emergence as a television icon - receiving parts by comedian Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including 1988's A Lady of Letters, for which she received a Bafta award nomination.

She received two further Bafta nominations, for the popular sitcom, in 1992 and 93, then took the lead in the central part as a retired woman on a journey into detective work in BBC One's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 to 1998.

She was made an OBE in 1993, a Commander of the British Empire in the 2000s, and a dame in recent years.

A Lasting Legacy

Via her memorable characters, Dame Patricia Routledge provided comedy and delight to countless viewers, creating a impressive career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by admirers into the future.