Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for TV show Keeping Up Appearances, has died aged 96, her agent said. Dame Patricia, who made her professional stage debut in 1952, was born in Tranmere.
In a statement, Dame Patricia’s agent said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.
“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.
“She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
Dame Patricia was born on February 17 1929 and attended Mersey Park Primary School, and subsequently Birkenhead High School where she sang in the choir and ran the Sunday School.
She later went on to study at Liverpool University where she graduated with honours in English Language and Literature before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and London’s Guildhall School of Music.
She made her professional debut at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952 in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. Her first television appearance was in 1956 in the ITV play of the week and her first film appearance was in 1967 in “To Sir with Love”.
However she was best-known for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the comedy series “Keeping Up Appearances” that aired from 1990 – 1995 and in respect of which she won a British Comedy Award.
Over her career, she appeared in nine films, 66 TV shows, and 56 times on stage and has been awarded a Tony Award, an Olivier, an OBE, CBE, and DBE for services to theatre and charity.
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