Acclaimed Star Dame Patricia Routledge, Iconic for Keeping Up Appearances, Passes Away at the Age of 96

Star Patricia Routledge, famous for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the classic TV sitcom the series Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the 96 years old, as confirmed by.

She also featured in Alan Bennett's celebrated solo performances and took on the role of the BBC's crime-solving retiree Hetty Wainthropp.

"It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love."

"At the remarkable age of 96, her passion for her work and for engaging with theatergoers remained strong, just as younger viewers have continued to find her through her cherished TV characters."

The statement noted: "She leaves a void by her family and friends and by her loyal fans worldwide."

An Illustrious Career

Patricia Routledge was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a comic creation who exemplified the height of British social climbing.

"She is a wonderfully awful character and I enjoyed playing her enormously," the actress remarked.

This classic sitcom aired from 1990 until 1995, and soon after she was voted the nation's most popular actress at the television awards.

Beyond television, she received recognition in theater and film after launching her acting journey in the stage in the 1950s.

After appearances in the West End, she established herself in the America when she received the Tony for leading musical performer on Broadway for Darling of the Day in 1968.

She was as adept at intense theater as she was at song-and-dance and humor - she performed in Richard III and Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Company, then earned an Olivier Award for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 1980s also witnessed her emergence as a household name - being given roles by comedian Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including 1988's A Lady of Letters, for which she was given a Bafta nomination.

She garnered additional Bafta nods, for her Hyacinth role, in the early 1990s, then took the lead in the main character as a retired woman on a journey into detective work in Hetty Wainthropp between the late 1990s.

She was made an Order of the British Empire in the nineties, a CBE in 2004, and damehood in recent years.

A Remarkable Life

Via her iconic performances, Patricia Routledge provided comedy and delight to millions, establishing a rich career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by admirers for generations to come.