The death of esteemed British sitcom star Dame Patricia Routledge has prompted a wave tributes, with many sharing their favourite memories of the Keeping Up Appearances star.
The actor was best known for playing one of Britain’s best-loved comedy characters, the social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket, which she hilariously pronounced “bouquet”.
On the show, Routledge was watched by 13 million viewers per episode, with the show earning her national acclaim – but acting was far from her only talent. Routledge, who starred on stage and screen across six decades, was also a trained opera singer.
In a statement announcing her death, Dame Patricia’s agent said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning, surrounded by love.
“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.
Keeping Up Appearances was a huge hit in its heyday, attracting 13 million viewers at its peak and earning her national acclaim.
Find all the live updates below:
Patricia Routledge death
- Patricia Routledge has died, aged 96
- Patrica Routledge’s final words in Keeping Up Appearances
- Remembering Hyacinth Buckey – Routledge’s memorable sitcom character
- BBC Director of Comedy pays tribute to Routledge
Patricia Routledge on why Keeping Up Appearances was such a hit
14:07
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Jacob Stolworthy
Keeping Up Appearances was a smash sitcom hit for the BBC, being watched by 13 million viewers at its peak – and Routledge thought she knew why it struck such a chord.
“The basic premise of Hyacinth is pretension and that’s the source of so much comedy,” she said.
“While attempting to be a social climber, she also had to deal with members from the other side of her family like Onslow, who sat around in his string vest drinking beer. In a way, the show was a microcosm for society.”
Acting kept Routledge from starting a family
14:03
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Jacob Stolworthy
Patricia Routledge never married or had children due to her dedication to the art of acting.
“I didn't make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother – life just turned out like that because my involvement in acting was so total,” she said.
Routledge ‘didn’t mind being associated’ with sitcom character
13:33
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Jacob Stolworthy
In a 2011 interview, Patricia Routledge said she “appreciated” being closely linked with her Keeping Up Appearances character despite her status as a class-conscious snob.
“It would be churlish of me not to appreciate what it’s brought me,” she told The Guardian.
“If a good number of people come into a theatre because they know me from the dreaded Mrs B, I couldn’t be happier.”
Patricia Routledge’s musings on getting older
13:00
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Jacob Stolworthy
Before her 95th birthday, Routledge, who died aged 96, wrote a poignant message, which has chimed with many fans and admirers in the wake of her death.
“I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry – worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.”
“I’m writing this to tell you something simple. Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter – if you let yourself bloom again. Let these years ahead be your treasure years. You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless.You only need to show up – fully – for the life that is still yours.”
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BBC Director of Comedy pays tribute
12:48
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Jacob Stolworthy
“We are so sad to hear of the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge. She was an actor of remarkable range, but her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances has to be one of the most iconic performances in British comedy. 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. Whatever she did, she brought impeccable craft, and in doing so inspired generations of writers, performers and audiences.
Dame Patricia made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy
Patricia Routledge was a trained opera singer
12:32
,
Jacob Stolworthy
As well as being a star of stage and screen, Patrica Routledge was a trained opera singer, performing in several operas throughout her lifetime.
When she turned 60, Routledge began to learn Italian so she could sing opera in its native language. She said that she also “learned how to live alone without feeling lonely” and “read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul”.
Patricia Routledge defiantly returned to Shakespeare roles in her 70s
13:44
,
Jacob Stolworthy
In her 70s, Patricia Routledge returned to performing Shakespeare on stage despite believing she had “aged out of” the roles.
“I had nothing to prove,” she defiantly stated.
“I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.”
Patricia Routledge’s ‘enchanting’ explanation of her profession
12:00
,
Jacob Stolworthy
Patricia Routledge appeared on Parkinson in 1998 and shared her views on what acting could be.
Hyacinth’s final ‘Keeping Up Appearance’ words resurface
11:55
,
Jacob Stolworthy
The hilarious final moment of the hit sitcom is being shared online in the wake of Patricia Routledge’s death.
In the show, she played Hyacinth Bucket – which she constantly had to highlight was pronounced “bouquet”.
Patricia Routledge was known for beloved sitcom character
11:40
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Jacob Stolworthy
Patricia Routledge was best known for her comedy role as Hyacinth Bucket in the popular BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. She played the role from 1990 to 1995.
The series saw Hyacinth try to prove her social superiority despite having a lower class background.
She left the show as she wanted to seek out other roles, citing Porridge star Ronnie Barker as an influence behind her decision: “He always left something when he was on a high, and it’s much better to have people say now ‘Oh, why didn’t you do some more?’ than having them say ‘Oh, is that still on?’”
11:31
,
Jacob Stolworthy
Keeping Up Appearances star Patricia Routledge has died, aged 96.
In a statement, Dame Patricia’s agent said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning, surrounded by love.
“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.”
