Star Dame Patricia Routledge, famous for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the age of 96, according to.
Additionally, she featured in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and portrayed BBC One's amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love."
"At the remarkable age of 96, Dame Patricia's dedication to acting and for reaching out to fans never waned, just as younger viewers keep discovering her work through her cherished television roles."
The statement noted: "Her absence will be deeply felt by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world."
A Life in the Spotlight
Patricia Routledge was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - who insisted it be said "bouquet" - a humorous character who embodied the extremes of English pretension and snobbery.
"She's an absolute monster and I had great fun with the role tremendously," the performer said.
The series Keeping Up Appearances ran from 1990 to 95, and the following year she was voted the most beloved female performer at the television awards.
She also earned praise on stage as well as screen after starting her career in the theater in the 1950s.
After appearances in London theater, she built a reputation in the United States when she received the Broadway trophy for outstanding actress in a musical on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.
She proved equally skilled at serious drama as she was at light entertainment - she took part in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then received an theater prize for leading musical actress for the production Candide in the 1980s decade.
The 80s also witnessed her emergence as a television icon - being given roles by comedian Victoria Wood in As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she was given a Bafta award nomination.
She earned additional Bafta nods, for Keeping Up Appearances, in the early 1990s, then starred in the title role as a retired woman on a mission to investigate mysteries in the series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 and 98.
She received an Order of the British Empire in the nineties, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and a dame in 2017.
A Remarkable Life
With her iconic performances, Dame Patricia Routledge provided comedy and delight to millions, leaving behind a impressive collection of performances that will continue to be celebrated by fans for generations to come.
