Beloved Actress Patricia Routledge, Famous for Keeping Up Appearances, Dies at the Age of 96
Performer Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for portraying Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved TV sitcom the series Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96, according to.
Additionally, she starred in monologues by Alan Bennett and took on the role of the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.
"We mournfully announce to share the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep recently with loved ones near."
"At the remarkable age of 96, Dame Patricia's love for performing and for reaching out to fans stayed vibrant, just as new generations keep discovering her work through her popular TV characters."
The announcement noted: "She leaves a void by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers worldwide."
An Illustrious Career
Patricia Routledge was primarily recognized as Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a funny persona who represented the peak of English pretension and snobbery.
"Hyacinth is a terrible snob and I loved portraying her immensely," the star said.
This classic sitcom ran from the early 1990s, and the following year she was voted the UK's favorite actress at the television awards.
Additionally, she received recognition both live and recorded after beginning her professional life in the theatre in the 1950s era.
With performances in London's West End, she built a reputation in the United States when she won the Tony for leading musical performer on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.
She proved equally skilled at intense theater as she was at light entertainment - she took part in classic plays at the RSC, then received an Olivier Award for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.
The 80s also saw her become a television icon - being given roles by Victoria Wood in As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in three of his renowned Talking Heads monologues, including the 1988 piece A Lady of Letters, for which she received a Bafta award nomination.
She garnered two further Bafta nominations, for the popular sitcom, in 1992 and 1993, then starred in the title role as a older lady on a journey into detective work in Hetty Wainthropp between 1996 to 1998.
She was honored with an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and the title of Dame in 2017.
A Lasting Legacy
Via her memorable characters, Patricia Routledge brought laughter and joy to audiences worldwide, creating a impressive collection of performances that will continue to be celebrated by viewers for generations to come.
