Actress Patricia Routledge, star of «Keeping Up Appearances», has died at the age of 96
3 october 2025 в 19:50
Patricia Routledge (full name: Dame Catherine Patricia Routledge), best known for her roles in the BBC series «Keeping Up Appearances» and «Hetty Wainthropp Investigates», - passed away on October 3, 2025. She was 96 years old and left behind a significant body of work in television, film, and stage. Routledge gradually built her success from the 1950s, increasing her overall wealth and receiving BAFTA nominations.
«We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning, surrounded by love», - said the late actress’s agent in a statement published in The Guardian. «Even at 96, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and engaging with a live audience never waned, as new generations of viewers continued to discover her through her beloved television roles. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and devoted fans around the world».
BBC Comedy Director John Petrie paid tribute to Routledge in a heartfelt statement, calling her «an actress of remarkable range, but her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances' must be one of the most iconic performances in British comedy».
«She took a character from the page and gave it such truth, precision, and warmth that Hyacinth became part of the national conversation; instantly recognizable, endlessly quotable, and beloved worldwide», - Petrie added. «Whatever she did, she brought impeccable craftsmanship and thus inspired generations of writers, performers, and viewers. Dame Patricia made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration».
Routledge’s three-time BAFTA-nominated career began in the 1950s, and since then, she became a beloved star of stage and screen.
Routledge was known for her performances as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom «Keeping Up Appearances», - for which she received two BAFTA nominations. Routledge was also recognized for her role as Hetty Wainthropp in the series «Hetty Wainthropp Investigates».
During a 2011 interview with The Guardian, Routledge said she appreciated the success that the series «Keeping Up Appearances» brought her, although she had gained an impressive reputation in theater, film, and television for other roles.
«If everything is focused on that, it’s just too silly. But I would be ungrateful not to appreciate what it has brought me», - Routledge said at the time. «If a good number of people come to the theater because they know me as that bloody Mrs. B, I couldn’t be happier».
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Patricia’s estate is estimated at $ 2.5 million as of 2025.
The cause of death was not provided by Routledge’s agent, but at 96 years old, and not regularly appearing in film for many years, the late English actress remained in the public eye during her final months. In April 2025, Routledge opened the Festival in Chichester in West Sussex
«We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning, surrounded by love», - said the late actress’s agent in a statement published in The Guardian. «Even at 96, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and engaging with a live audience never waned, as new generations of viewers continued to discover her through her beloved television roles. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and devoted fans around the world».
BBC Comedy Director John Petrie paid tribute to Routledge in a heartfelt statement, calling her «an actress of remarkable range, but her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances' must be one of the most iconic performances in British comedy».
«She took a character from the page and gave it such truth, precision, and warmth that Hyacinth became part of the national conversation; instantly recognizable, endlessly quotable, and beloved worldwide», - Petrie added. «Whatever she did, she brought impeccable craftsmanship and thus inspired generations of writers, performers, and viewers. Dame Patricia made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration».
Routledge’s three-time BAFTA-nominated career began in the 1950s, and since then, she became a beloved star of stage and screen.
Routledge was known for her performances as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom «Keeping Up Appearances», - for which she received two BAFTA nominations. Routledge was also recognized for her role as Hetty Wainthropp in the series «Hetty Wainthropp Investigates».
During a 2011 interview with The Guardian, Routledge said she appreciated the success that the series «Keeping Up Appearances» brought her, although she had gained an impressive reputation in theater, film, and television for other roles.
«If everything is focused on that, it’s just too silly. But I would be ungrateful not to appreciate what it has brought me», - Routledge said at the time. «If a good number of people come to the theater because they know me as that bloody Mrs. B, I couldn’t be happier».
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Patricia’s estate is estimated at $ 2.5 million as of 2025.
The cause of death was not provided by Routledge’s agent, but at 96 years old, and not regularly appearing in film for many years, the late English actress remained in the public eye during her final months. In April 2025, Routledge opened the Festival in Chichester in West Sussex
© Smirnova Olga
