Dame Patricia Routledge, the acclaimed actor best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96. Her agent confirmed that she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1929, Routledge trained at the University of Liverpool and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She began her career in theatre in 1952, later winning a Tony award and an Olivier for her stage work. She was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Routledge found television fame in the 1980s with Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV and Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, followed by Hetty Wainthropp Investigates in the 1990s. However, her portrayal of the pretentious Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995) earned her two Bafta nominations and global recognition.
In a 2011 interview, Routledge said she did not mind being associated with the character, noting it would be 'churlish' not to appreciate what it brought her. Tributes poured in from the BBC's director of comedy, Jon Petrie, who called her performance 'iconic', and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who described her as 'a truly special human being'.
Routledge's film roles included To Sir, with Love (1967) and Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968). She also appeared in Steptoe and Son and Coronation Street. She was made a dame in 2017 for services to theatre and charity.
