Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson dies aged 88 six months after husband’s death

Anna Dawson, best known as Violet in Keeping Up Appearances, has died aged 88.

Her death comes just six months after the loss of her husband, John Boulter, a soloist in the Black and White Minstrel Show.

In the 90s British sitcom, she starred as Violet, the sister of leading lady Hyacinth Bucket, played by the late Dame Patricia Routledge, who died last year.

A post by her church,  Christ Church Anglican at Kororāreka Russell, in New Zealand read: ”It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a much treasured member of our faith community, former actress Anna Boulter (nee Dawson).

They stated that she had ‘died peacefully’ on Saturday, June 27, in Kerikeri at 3pm.

‘Many from the Russell community will remember Anna and her late husband John Boulter who lived in Okiato and Tapeka,’ the post added. ‘Funeral details to follow.’

Tributes to the former actress have been posted on social media, including from Only Fools And Horses star John Challis’ widow Carol.

She wrote: ‘Sad news. An old friend. God bless you, Anna.’

Throughout her 30-year career, she starred on the West End in several musicals, as well as appearing in Dixon of Dock Green and The Benny Hill Show.

She also took on a string of film roles but stepped back from acting in 1995 after her four-episode stint on Keeping Up Appearances.

Afterwards, she retired to New Zealand with her husband John Boulter, who died in December 2025 aged 94.

Months before her co-star Routledge had died ‘surrounded by love’ at 96, with a statement saying ‘she will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.’