Dame Patricia Routledge, one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, has died at the age of 96.
The star, best known to millions as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC comedy Keeping Up Appearances, passed away peacefully in her sleep, her agent confirmed yesterday.
Born Katherine Patricia Routledge in Birkenhead in 1929, she enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades across theatre, television, film, and radio. Though she achieved global fame for her portrayal of the social-climbing Hyacinth, Routledge’s talents extended far beyond sitcom comedy.
She was a Tony Award winner in 1968 for Darling of the Day and an Olivier Award recipient in 1988 for Candide. A long-time member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, she was acclaimed for her performances in both classic and contemporary plays.
Television audiences also embraced her as amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and for her work in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads. Her film roles included appearances in To Sir, With Love (1967).
Routledge settled in Chichester, West Sussex, in later life, where she became a familiar and much-loved figure. She was President of the Festival of Chichester and an active supporter of Chichester Cathedral. Local tributes have described her as a “giant of stage and screen” who gave generously to her adopted community.
Her honours included being made OBE in 1993, CBE in 2004, and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 for services to theatre and charity. Earlier this year she was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Wirral.
Routledge never married but spoke openly about her devotion to her craft. Friends and colleagues remember her as a disciplined, witty and deeply humane performer.
BBC comedy chief Jon Petrie said: “She was an actor of remarkable range. Her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket remains one of the most iconic performances in British comedy.”
Dame Patricia Routledge leaves behind a body of work that delighted, moved and inspired audiences for more than half a century.
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