Dame Patricia Routledge, the acclaimed British actress renowned for her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in the iconic sitcom “Keeping Up Appearances,” has died at the age of 96. Her agent confirmed the news on Friday, stating that Routledge “died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.” The announcement was shared with several media outlets, including the BBC and Deadline.
Born in 1929, Routledge began her acting career on stage at the Liverpool Playhouse in the early 1950s. She transitioned to Broadway in the 1960s, where she garnered significant attention and acclaim, winning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1968 for her role in “Darling of the Day.” Despite her success on stage, it was her television performances that solidified her status in popular culture.
Legacy of a Television Icon
Routledge gained widespread recognition for her role as Hetty Wainthropp in the BBC1 series “Hetty Wainthropp Investigates,” as well as in various productions such as “As Seen on TV” and “Talking Heads: A Lady of Letters.” Nevertheless, her most prominent role emerged in the 1990s when she starred in “Keeping Up Appearances.” For five seasons, from 1990 to 1995, she captivated audiences as the snobbish middle-class social climber, Hyacinth Bucket.
In a statement, her agent highlighted Routledge’s enduring passion for her craft, noting, “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.” The statement concluded with a heartfelt message, emphasizing that she will be “dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
A Life Honored
In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Routledge was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 by Queen Elizabeth II. This honor is the female equivalent of being knighted as a Sir by the British monarch. Her legacy as a talented actress and a beloved figure in British entertainment will endure through her extensive body of work and the impact she made on both stage and screen.
As fans and colleagues mourn her passing, Dame Patricia Routledge’s remarkable career and the joy she brought to countless viewers will be remembered fondly.
