Patricia Routledge

Dame Patricia Routledge, the acclaimed English actress and singer best known to millions as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances," died on October 3, 2025, in Chichester, England. She was 96. Her death was confirmed by her agent, who said she died peacefully in her sleep.

Born Katherine Patricia Routledge on February 17, 1929, in Birkenhead, England, she studied English language and literature at the University of Liverpool. She then trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School before making her professional debut in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952.

Routledge achieved international fame as Hyacinth-"it's pronounced Bouquet"-the indefatigably aspirational heroine of the 1990s sitcom "Keeping Up Appearances." The series regularly drew audiences in the millions and brought her two BAFTA nominations.

Her television range was far broader than one role. She headlined the BBC drama "Hetty Wainthropp Investigates" in the 1990s, and she shone in such 1980s TV shows as "Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV" and "Alan Bennett's Talking Heads."

Before her television stardom, Routledge was a formidable stage performer. She won the 1968 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for "Darling of the Day," sharing the honor with Leslie Uggams, and the 1988 Laurence Olivier Award for "Candide."

Her film credits included "To Sir, With Love," "The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom," and "Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River." She later enjoyed a long association with Chichester Festival Theatre, where she also made memorable appearances in the 1990s and 2000s.

In 2017, Routledge was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to theatre and charity. She lived in Chichester from 2000 until her death.

Colleagues and admirers paid tribute to her craft and generosity. The BBC's director of comedy called her portrayal of Hyacinth "one of the most iconic performances in British comedy," noting how she "made millions laugh."

By Legacy News Staff

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