Viewers of classic British comedy are in mourning today because Patricia Routledge, a beloved English star of stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 96.
As per the BBC, for whom she worked on many a production, her passing was a peaceful one.
Her agent released a statement to the PA Media news agency that read, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.”
The statement continued, “Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles.”
It concluded, “She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
The news comes just a day after another British comedy legend, Patrick Murray, passed away.
Routledge Had Been Honored by Queen Elizabeth II
Patricia Routledge was undoubtedly best known for her role as the snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in the popular BBC sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances,’ which proved popular in the United States, but her impressive decades-spanning career had much more to it than that.
On stage, she appeared in shows like ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ ‘The Comedy of Errors,’ ‘Othello,’ ‘1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,’ and ‘The Pirates of Penzance.’
Routledge also appeared in movies like 1967’s ‘To Sir, with Love,’ opposite Sidney Poitier, and 1968’s ’30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia,’ opposite Dudley Moore, but it was undoubtedly her television career that made her a household name.
As well as ‘Keeping Up Appearances,’ Routledge appeared in popular shows like ‘Coronation Street,’ ‘Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV,’ ‘Tales of the Unexpected,’ and ‘Hetty Wainthropp Investigates,’ in which she played the eponymous amateur detective.
For her services to theatre and charity, Routledge was honored by Queen Elizabeth II on three occasions. In the 1993 Birthday Honors, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In the 2004 Birthday Honors, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). And in the 2017 New Year Honors, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
In her personal life, Routledge never married and had no children.
Social Media is Awash with Tributes to ‘Legend’ Patricia Routledge
Tributes to Patricia Routledge have poured in on social media, with one X account devoted to British comedy describing her as “So much more a performer than Mrs. Bucket.”
Another post, by journalist and broadcaster Rob Osborne, called her a “Legend” and agreed that she was “far bigger than Keeping Up Appearances.”
Another fan said, “We have lost one of Britain’s most formidable and talented comic actresses.”
James Dreyfus, himself a star of a popular British sitcom in ‘The Thin Blue Line,’ wrote “We just lost a truly formidable, talented & brilliant actress.”
Another user said, “She was a remarkable actress who brought joy to millions” and called her “a national treasure,” while someone else commented how she “was absolutely ADORABLE & sharp as a tack.”
Rest in peace, Dame Patricia Routledge. You will be sorely missed by millions.
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