Dame Patricia Routledge, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in the british sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96. The actress, whose career spanned stage and screen for over six decades, passed away peacefully at her home in Hampstead, London, on February 28, 2024, her publicist confirmed.
Routledge’s death marks the end of an era for British comedy, leaving behind a legacy defined by her precise comedic timing and unforgettable characters. Her work resonated with audiences across generations, and her influence on British television is undeniable. She leaves behind a vast body of work that continues to entertain and inspire.
Born in Middlesbrough in 1928, Routledge initially pursued a career in theatre, gaining recognition for her Shakespearean roles. However, she achieved widespread fame through television, notably with her collaborations with writer Alan Bennett.Bennett penned his first Talking Heads monologue specifically for Routledge, and followed it with two further installments. She received a Bafta nomination in 1988 for her performance in A Lady of letters, one of those monologues.
The 1980s also saw Routledge star as Kitty in Victoria Wood’s As seen on TV. But it was her role as the social-climbing Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, which ran from 1990 to 1995, that cemented her status as a national treasure. She earned two additional Bafta nominations for the role, in 1992 and 1993. She later starred as amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996-1998).
Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, described Routledge as “an actor of remarkable range,” adding that her performance as Hyacinth bucket was “one of the most iconic performances in British comedy.” He continued, “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.”
Routledge was recognized for her contributions to the arts with an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and a damehood in 2017. Her passing is mourned by colleagues, fans, and the wider entertainment industry.
