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”.
BBC’s Keeping Up Appearances was a huge hit in its heyday, attracting 13 million viewers at its peak and earning the star national acclaim – but acting was far from her only talent. Routledge, who appeared 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.
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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
Routledge ‘didn’t mind being associated’ with sitcom character
13:33 , Jacob StolworthyIn 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 , Jacob StolworthyBefore 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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Dame Patricia Routledge’s poignant last message on ageing and finding herself
BBC Director of Comedy pays tribute
12:48 , 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 StolworthyAs 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 StolworthyIn 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 StolworthyPatricia 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 StolworthyThe 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 , Jacob StolworthyPatricia 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?’”
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.”
Keeping Up Appearances star Patricia Routledge dies, aged 96
