🔗 Share this article

Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for embodying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved television comedy the series Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, according to.

Additionally, she appeared in monologues by Alan Bennett and portrayed the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"We mournfully announce to announce the death of Dame Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love."

"Despite her advanced years, her passion for her work and for engaging with theatergoers never waned, just as younger viewers have continued to find her through her beloved TV characters."

The announcement added: "She leaves a void by her inner circle and by her loyal fans around the world."

An Illustrious Career

Patricia Routledge was best known as the character Hyacinth Bucket - who insisted it be said "bouquet" - a comic creation who exemplified the extremes of British social climbing.

"She is a wonderfully awful character and I had great fun with the role immensely," the performer said.

This classic sitcom aired from 1990 to 95, and soon after she was named the UK's favorite actress at the television awards.

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

Following roles in London theater, she built a reputation in the America when she received the Broadway trophy for leading musical performer on Broadway in New York for the musical Darling of the Day in the late 1960s.

Her talents extended at serious drama as she was at light entertainment - she appeared in classic plays at the RSC, then received an Olivier Award for outstanding musical performance for Candide in the 1980s.

The 80s also saw her become a television icon - landing appearances by comedian Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including the 1988 piece A Lady of Letters, for which she earned a British Academy nomination.

She received more award nominations, for her Hyacinth role, in 1992 and 1993, then headlined the main character as a retired woman on a mission to investigate mysteries in Hetty Wainthropp between the late 1990s.

She was honored with an Order of the British Empire in the nineties, a CBE in 2004, and the title of Dame in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

Via her iconic performances, Dame Patricia Routledge provided comedy and joy to audiences worldwide, creating a extensive collection of performances that is still enjoyed by admirers for years ahead.