Farewell to Hyacinth: Dame Patricia Routledge Passes at 96

EXCLUSIVE: Dame Patricia Routledge, The Queen of Snobbery, Passes Away at 96

The theatre world is reeling in shock as Dame Patricia Routledge, the unforgettable actress behind the iconic character of Hyacinth Bucket on the beloved sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has left us. Her passing, at the ripe age of 96, has sent ripples through the entertainment industry and beyond.

For decades, Routledge's sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and razor-sharp tongue have made her a household name. As Hyacinth Bucket, she embodied the quintessential middle-class snob, determined to climb the social ladder at all costs. Her performances on Keeping Up Appearances (1990-1995) remain some of the most memorable in British television history.

In an interview just last year, Routledge reminisced about her time on the show, saying she still receives fan mail from around the world. "I had a letter from a young lad aged 9 or 10," she revealed, chuckling. "He said his family watches it together and laughs at me being 'a woman like you across the road'." The affection for her character is evident even to this day.

Routledge's illustrious career spans over seven decades, with credits in numerous stage productions, including The Importance of Being Earnest, Little Mary Sunshine, and Noises Off. She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Darling of the Day (1968) and an Olivier Award for Candide (1988). Her association with Broadway legends like Richard Rodgers is a testament to her impressive talent.

In a candid interview, Routledge shared intimate details about her personal life, including her struggles with relationships. "I didn't make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother," she confessed. "Life just turned out that way because my involvement in acting was so total." Her devout Christian upbringing played a significant role in shaping her views on marriage and family.

Tributes have been pouring in from the entertainment industry, with etiquette expert William Hanson tweeting: "Now off the candlelight supper in the sky. Thank you for everything." Actor James Dreyfus described Routledge as "a truly formidable, talented and brilliant actress" while others praised her iconic character, saying, "Farewell Mrs. Bucket. Thank you for all the wonderful memories."

Routledge's sharp tongue and high standards often made headlines over the years. In a 2024 interview, she expressed her disdain for sloppy speech and dropping 'aitches', stating, "I'm an actress, not an actor." Her traditional views on gendered language sparked lively debates among fans and critics alike.

The passing of Dame Patricia Routledge has sparked a renewed interest in Keeping Up Appearances, which is set to be released on the streaming service BritBox. However, some episodes have been flagged for their outdated attitudes towards certain groups. In response, BritBox added disclaimers warning viewers that the series "contains language and attitudes of the era that may offend." The company's statement read: "We review and refresh our programme catalogue on an ongoing basis... Programming on the service that contains potentially sensitive language or attitudes of their era has carried appropriate warnings since our launch in November 2019."

The legacy of Dame Patricia Routledge will live on through her timeless performances, which continue to entertain audiences around the world. As she herself once said, "Dame Patricia Routledge could do it all." Indeed, she did.

Sources:

• The Scholarly Note (scholarlynote.com) - Various articles and interviews with Dame Patricia Routledge
• BritBox Statement