- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her iconic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at 96. Her agent confirmed the news, stating she died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by love. With a career spanning over six decades, Dame Patricia was a talented actress who excelled in television, film and theater, appearing in 9 films, 66 TV shows and 56 stage productions. Her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket earned her a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Actress. She also won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical Darling of the Day and a Laurence Olivier Award for her role in Candide. Dame Patricia was knighted in 2017 for her services to theatre and television.
The reason behind Routledge's death has not been revealed yet. According to PA Media News Agency, her agent said 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."
The statement further read, "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."
About Dame Patricia Routledge
Dame Katherine Patricia Routledge (17 February 1929 – 3 October 2025) was an English actress and singer, best known for her comedic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995), earning BAFTA TV nominations in 1992 and 1993.
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She began her professional stage career at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952 and made her West End debut in The Love Doctor in 1959. Routledge appeared on Broadway in How's the World Treating You (1966) and won the 1968 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Darling of the Day. She also received the 1988 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Candide at the Old Vic. Her film credits include To Sir, with Love (1967) and Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968).