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Star Patricia Routledge, best known for embodying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96 years old, as confirmed by.

Beyond that, she appeared in Alan Bennett's celebrated solo performances and portrayed BBC One's amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"It is with great sadness to announce the loss of Dame Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep recently in the presence of family."

"Even at 96-years old, her dedication to acting and for engaging with theatergoers remained strong, just as modern audiences have continued to find her through her cherished television roles."

Her agent added: "She leaves a void by her inner circle and by her loyal fans globally."

An Illustrious Career

Patricia Routledge was most famous as the character Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a humorous character who represented the extremes of British social climbing.

"Hyacinth is a terrible snob and I had great fun with the role immensely," the star said.

The series Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from 1990 to 95, and a year later she was chosen as the most beloved female performer at the BBC anniversary ceremony.

Beyond television, she received recognition both live and recorded after launching her acting journey in the theater in the 1950s.

With performances in London theater, she built a reputation in the United States when she received the Tony Award for best lead actress in a musical on New York theater 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 Richard III and Henry V at the RSC, then received an theater prize for outstanding musical performance for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 1980s also marked her rise as a household name - being given roles by Victoria Wood in As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she earned a Bafta nomination.

She garnered more award nominations, for the popular sitcom, in the early 1990s, then headlined the main character as a retired woman on a quest to solve crimes in the series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between the late 1990s.

She received an OBE in 1993, a CBE in the 2000s, and a dame in 2017.

A Remarkable Life

Through her unforgettable roles, Patricia Routledge delivered humor and entertainment to millions, establishing a rich career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by fans for generations to come.