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Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, famous for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the popular television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96 years old, as confirmed by.

She also featured in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and took on the role of the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp.

"It is with great sadness to announce the loss of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep today in the presence of family."

"Even at 96-years old, her dedication to acting and for engaging with theatergoers stayed vibrant, just as modern audiences are still enjoying her roles through her cherished screen performances."

Her agent continued: "She leaves a void by her inner circle and by her loyal fans worldwide."

Decades of Performance

Dame Patricia was best known as the character Hyacinth Bucket - who insisted it be said "bouquet" - a humorous character who embodied the height of British social climbing.

"Hyacinth is a terrible snob and I loved portraying her enormously," the star remarked.

Keeping Up Appearances aired from 1990 to 95, and the following year she was chosen as the nation's most popular actress at the BBC anniversary ceremony.

Beyond television, she earned praise in theater and film after launching her acting journey in the stage in the 1950s.

Following roles in London theater, she made a name in the US when she won the Tony for leading musical performer on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in the late 1960s.

She was as adept at intense theater as she was at light entertainment - she took part in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then earned an Olivier Award for leading musical actress for the production Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 1980s also witnessed her emergence as a television icon - receiving parts by comedian Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including the 1988 piece A Lady of Letters, for which she was given a British Academy nomination.

She received additional Bafta nods, for the popular sitcom, in 1992 and 93, then headlined the main character as a senior citizen on a quest to solve crimes in BBC One's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 to 1998.

She was made an Order of the British Empire in 1993, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and damehood in recent years.

A Lasting Legacy

With her unforgettable roles, Dame Patricia Routledge provided comedy and joy to countless viewers, creating a rich career portfolio that remains cherished by admirers for generations to come.