Performer Patricia Routledge, best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the classic TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the 96 years old, her agent announced.
Beyond that, she starred in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and played BBC One's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep today surrounded by love."
"At the remarkable age of 96, Dame Patricia's love for performing and for reaching out to fans remained strong, just as modern audiences have continued to find her through her beloved TV characters."
The statement noted: "She leaves a void by her inner circle and by her dedicated supporters globally."
An Illustrious Career
Dame Patricia was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - who insisted it be said "bouquet" - a funny persona who exemplified the peak of English pretension and snobbery.
"She's an absolute monster and I loved portraying her tremendously," the actress remarked.
The series Keeping Up Appearances ran from the early 1990s, and soon after she was named the most beloved female performer at the BBC anniversary ceremony.
Additionally, she received recognition on stage as well as screen after beginning her professional life in the theater in the 1950s.
With performances in London's West End, she established herself in the America when she received the Tony for best lead actress in a musical on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.
She was as adept at intense theater as she was at song-and-dance and humor - she performed in Shakespeare's histories at the prestigious theater company, then won an Olivier Award for outstanding musical performance for Candide in the 1980s decade.
The 1980s also witnessed her emergence as a true national TV star - landing appearances by comedian Victoria Wood in As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including 1988's A Lady of Letters, for which she earned a British Academy nomination.
She received additional Bafta nods, for her Hyacinth role, in the early 1990s, then took the lead in the central part as a senior citizen on a mission to investigate mysteries in BBC One's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 and 98.
She received an OBE in the nineties, a Commander of the British Empire in the 2000s, and damehood in recent years.
A Remarkable Life
Via her iconic performances, Patricia Routledge brought laughter and joy to countless viewers, establishing a impressive body of work that is still enjoyed by viewers for years ahead.
