🔗 Share this article Beloved Star Patricia Routledge, Famous for Hyacinth Bucket, Dies at 96 Star Patricia Routledge, best known for playing the character Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy the series Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the 96, as confirmed by. She also appeared in monologues by Alan Bennett and played the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. "We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love." "Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia's dedication to acting and for connecting with live audiences remained strong, just as new generations have continued to find her through her beloved screen performances." Her agent noted: "She will be dearly missed by her inner circle and by her loyal fans globally." Dame Patricia as Hyacinth Bucket alongside actor Clive Swift as Richard, her beleaguered husband in the series Keeping Up Appearances Decades of Performance Dame Patricia was best known as the character Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a funny persona who represented the extremes of affectation and class consciousness. "She's an absolute monster and I had great fun with the role immensely," the performer remarked. The series Keeping Up Appearances ran from the early 1990s, and a year later she was voted the UK's favorite actress at the BBC anniversary ceremony. Beyond television, she found acclaim on stage as well as screen after launching her acting journey in the stage in the 1950s. With performances in the West End, she made a name in the US when she won the Tony for best lead actress in a musical on Broadway for Darling of the Day in 1968. She was as adept at dramatic roles as she was at light entertainment - she appeared in Richard III and Henry V at the prestigious theater company, then won an theater prize for best actress in a musical for the production Candide in the 1980s decade. The 80s also saw her become a true national TV star - landing appearances by Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and writer Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including 1988's A Lady of Letters, for which she received a Bafta nomination. She garnered additional Bafta nods, for Keeping Up Appearances, in 1992 and 93, then took the lead in the central part as a older lady on a quest to solve crimes in Hetty Wainthropp between 1996 and 98. She was honored with an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and the title of Dame in 2017. A Remarkable Life With her unforgettable roles, Patricia Routledge delivered humor and delight to millions, creating a rich collection of performances that is still enjoyed by viewers into the future.