Fans around the world are mourning the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, the beloved British actress best known for her portrayal of the hilariously pretentious Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”) in the BBC’s classic sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. Dame Patricia died peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning at the age of 96, surrounded by loved ones, her agent confirmed.
Routledge’s career spanned more than seven decades, encompassing stage, screen, and radio. She was not only a household name for her iconic TV roles but also a decorated stage performer, earning both Olivier and Tony Awards for her musical theatre work.
BBC’s director of comedy, Jon Petrie, led tributes, describing her as “an actor of remarkable range” who “made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration.”
“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,” Petrie said.
A Comic Genius With a Touch of Class
Routledge’s portrayal of the snobbish but lovable Hyacinth Bucket from 1990 to 1995 turned Keeping Up Appearancesinto one of the BBC’s most enduring comedies. Her meticulous diction, exaggerated airs, and tireless attempts to climb the social ladder made Hyacinth a symbol of middle-class pretension—one audiences adored.
“She’s an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her enormously,” Routledge once said of the character that defined a generation of British humour.
Creator Roy Clarke paid his own heartfelt tribute, calling Routledge “a very fine physical clown” and praising the musical quality of her voice. “With those talents she took my scripts to the heights,” he said. “I can only salute her talents and regret their passing.”
Beyond Hyacinth: A Brilliant Career on Stage and Screen
Born in Birkenhead in 1929, Routledge began her acting career in theatre during the 1950s. She dazzled in the West End and across the Atlantic, winning a Tony Award in 1968 for Darling of the Day. Her classical training also earned her praise for performances in Richard III, Henry V, and Candide, for which she won an Olivier Award.
Television audiences embraced her versatility in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues and Victoria Wood’s As Seen on TV. Later, she took on the role of crime-solving retiree Hetty Wainthropp in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most cherished actresses.
Tributes From Admirers and Colleagues
Broadcaster and friend Gyles Brandreth remembered her as “an extraordinary person” and “a mistress of her craft,” adding, “Alan Bennett loved writing for her. She was one of Victoria Wood’s favourite human beings.”
Actress Kerry Howard, who portrayed a young Hyacinth in a BBC prequel, said Routledge “became a comic beacon” and “my first drama teacher,” adding, “A wonderful clown has left this world, but I’d like to think her energy and gifts go beyond the grave.”
Chichester Festival Theatre, where Routledge frequently performed, hailed her as “irreplaceable, inimitable, and unforgettable.”
A National Treasure
Over her long career, Dame Patricia Routledge received numerous honours for her contribution to the arts, including an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and a damehood in 2017.
Even at 96, her agent noted, “Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned.”
From the drawing rooms of Keeping Up Appearances to the stages of Shakespeare and Broadway, Dame Patricia Routledge embodied excellence, wit, and charm. Her fans may be saying farewell, but her voice — firm, melodic, and unmistakably bouquet — will echo forever in the annals of comedy and theatre.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
