Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, known for her iconic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the British TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died aged 96.
Routledge passed away overnight, with her agent releasing a statement saying she 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.”
Keeping Up Appearances aired on the BBC from 1990 to 1995. Routledge was voted the nation’s most popular actress at the 60th anniversary awards for the BBC.
From there, she also starred in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates on the BBC from 1996.
Tributes have poured in for the late actress, with the BBC director of comedy Jon Petrie saying she “made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration”.
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“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,” he said.
“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.”
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Creator of Keeping Up Appearances Roy Clarke released a statement to the BBC following the news of Routledge’s passing.
“It’s a fortunate coincidence to find your scripts in the hands of so accomplished an actor.
“She was a singer and it showed in the way she could use her voice without beat. It was an instrument.
“On best of such skills she was also a very fine physical clown.
“With those talents she took my scripts to the heights. I can only salute her talents and regret their passing.”
The actress was best known for her role as the snobby and hilarious Hyacinth Bucket.
Routledge once called the character an “absolute monster” but said she “enjoyed playing her enormously.”
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