Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her unforgettable role as Hyacinth Bucket in the classic BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, her agent has confirmed.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement to PA Media, her agent said:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love. Even at 96-years-old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles. She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
A Career Spanning Stage and Screen
Born in Birkenhead, Routledge began her career in the theatre in the 1950s before achieving success on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1968, she won a Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical on Broadway for Darling of the Day. She later won an Olivier Award in the 1980s for her performance in Candide.
Her dramatic range was equally notable. She appeared in Richard III and Henry V with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and delivered acclaimed performances in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues, including A Lady of Letters, which earned her a Bafta nomination in 1988.
The Rise of Hyacinth Bucket
But it was her portrayal of the hilariously snobbish Hyacinth Bucket—“pronounced Bouquet”—that made her a household name. Keeping Up Appearances, which ran from 1990 to 1995, cemented her place in British comedy history.
“She’s an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her enormously,” Routledge once said of her iconic character.
In 1996, she was voted the nation’s most popular actress during the BBC’s 60th anniversary celebrations. She went on to star in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates from 1996 to 1998, further showcasing her versatility.
Tributes Pour In
Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, paid tribute:
“She was an actor of remarkable range, but her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances has to be one of the most iconic performances in British comedy. She took a character on the page and gave her such truth, precision and warmth that Hyacinth became part of the national conversation; instantly recognisable, endlessly quotable, and loved around the world. Whatever she did, she brought impeccable craft, and in doing so inspired generations of writers, performers and audiences. Dame Patricia made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration.”
Routledge received an OBE in 1993, was made a CBE in 2004, and was appointed Dame in 2017 for her services to theatre and charity.
