R.I.P. Patricia Routledge: ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ Star Dead At 96

Actress Patricia Routledge, best known for her BAFTA-nominated performance in the British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the age of 96.

Her agent confirmed her passing in a statement. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love,” her agent said, per The Guardian.

“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.”

Some of Routledge’s most well-known projects occurred near the end of her career. Routledge famously starred as the snobby housewife Hyacinth Bucket – pronounced “bouquet” – trying to climb the social ladder despite her working class roots in the 1990 sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. The performance earned her two BAFTA nominations.

She later also starred in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates from 1996 to 1998 with actor Dominic Monaghan. The pair recently reunited just weeks before she passed away. Monaghan praised the actress, saying they had a “fantastic” time together.

“We always shared a love of acting, of actors, of the natural world and all of the curiosities of life, it was fantastic to spend a couple of hours doing the same! She still tells fantastic stories, loves great food and wine, and as always is sharp as a tack, with fantastic skin and style,” he wrote on social media, per The Mirror. “She taught me so much, and continues to do so, aging with a class and quality I hope to emulate. hettywainthroppinvestigates forever! #becurious.”

Routledge was born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1929. She began her acting career on stage in 1952 before later making her Broadway debut in the 1966 play How’s the World Treating You.

She earned an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for her work before later moving on to television and movies, starring in series such as David Copperfield, Crown Court, Jackanory and more.

According to her IMDb, her final role was in 2005 narrating the television series Blips.

In 2017, Routledge was made a dame for her services in theater and charity.

Routledge lived out her final days in Chichester.