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Actress Patricia Routledge, who played the overbearing and eccentric middle-class social climber Bucket in the British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96.
Her agent confirmed this news of her tragic passing in a statement to PA Media news agency:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.''
Patricia Routledge's agent further honored her by remembering the late sitcom legend's passion for work and love for her fans. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.
Born in Tranmere in Birkenhead, Cheshire, Routledge was an actress and singer who eventually found fame through her roles in comedic sitcoms. The actress began her career in musical theatre, particularly in the US and the UK. She was widely praised for her vocal range and eventually pivoted to small-screen roles.
More on this in our story.
Sitcom queen Patricia Routledge dies at 96
Routledge's acting journey began in the late 1960s with roles in projects like Pretty Polly, To Sir, With Love, Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River, If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium and many more. Her "A Lady of Letters'' monologues in Alan Bennett's Talking Heads in 1988 and 1998 further expanded her career and she was also nominated for a British Academy Television Award for Best Actress.
In 1990, Patricia Routledge debuted in her breakthrough role of Hyacinth Bucket in the comedy series Keeping Up Appearances. While the sitcom ran for only five seasons, it gained extreme popularity internationally, earning fans in countries like Canada, Australia and Norway. In the sitcom, Routledge's Bucket insisted that her name is pronounced as 'bouquet', which became a popular running gag. The actress won a British Comedy Award for her portrayal in 1991 and was also nominated for two BAFTA TV Awards in 1992 and 1993.
Despite the sitcom's popularity, Patricia Routledge shocked her fans by leaving it in 1995 to pursue other roles. After her hit British sitcom, Routledge went on to lead BBC One's crime drama series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates from 1996 to 1998. Some other famous TV credits for the actress include The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends, Marjorie and Men and Sophia and Constance.
Additionally, Patricia Routledge also won the 1988 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Candide at the Old Vic and the 1968 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Darling of the Day.
In 2017, the actress was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her impressive journey in the Entertainment industry and her services in charity. In recent years, a new generation of young audiences has discovered the talents of the late actress and the world will continue to cherish her through her beloved sitcom roles.
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