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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved television comedy the series Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the 96 years old, as confirmed by.

She also starred in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and played BBC One's amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"We are deeply saddened to share the loss of Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep today with loved ones near."

"Despite her advanced years, her passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations are still enjoying her roles through her beloved screen performances."

The announcement added: "She leaves a void by those closest to her and by her dedicated supporters globally."

A Life in the Spotlight

Patricia Routledge was primarily recognized as Hyacinth Bucket - who insisted it be said "bouquet" - a humorous character who exemplified the height of English pretension and snobbery.

"She's an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her immensely," the performer commented.

The series Keeping Up Appearances aired from 1990 to 95, and a year later she was named the nation's most popular actress at the television awards.

She also received recognition on stage as well as screen after beginning her professional life in the stage in the mid-20th century.

After appearances in the West End, she built a reputation in the United States when she received the Tony Award for best lead actress in a musical on Broadway for Darling of the Day in 1968.

She proved equally skilled at intense theater as she was at musicals and comedy - she took part in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then earned an Olivier Award for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s.

That decade also marked her rise as a television icon - being given roles by Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in three of his renowned Talking Heads monologues, including the 1988 piece A Lady of Letters, for which she earned a British Academy nomination.

She earned more award nominations, for the popular sitcom, in the early 1990s, then starred in the main character as a retired woman on a mission to investigate mysteries in Hetty Wainthropp between the late 1990s.

She received an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and damehood in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

Through her unforgettable roles, Dame Patricia Routledge brought laughter and entertainment to millions, creating a impressive collection of performances that is still enjoyed by viewers into the future.