Patricia Routledge Cause of Death: Hyacinth Bucket Actress Dies at 96

October 3, 2025 — Dame Patricia Routledge, the beloved British actress best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96.

Her agent confirmed the sad news, saying she passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by love. The statement added that Patricia’s passion for her work never faded, even at her advanced age, and that she continued to inspire new generations through her comedy and theatre roles.

A Sitcom Legend

Patricia Routledge became a household name in the 1990s with Keeping Up Appearances. She played Hyacinth Bucket, the pretentious but hilarious social climber who insisted her surname was pronounced “Bouquet.”

The series ran from 1990 to 1995 and often drew over 13 million viewers. In 1996, Patricia was voted Britain’s all-time favourite actress. Her performance also won her the British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Actress.

Career Beyond Hyacinth

While Hyacinth Bucket was her most famous role, Patricia Routledge’s career stretched far beyond sitcoms. She starred in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates as a sharp detective and appeared in Alan Bennett’s TV monologues. She was also part of Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV.

On stage, she earned global acclaim. She won a Tony Award in 1968 for Darling of the Day and an Olivier Award in 1988 for her role in Candide.

Honours and Recognition

Patricia Routledge was widely honoured for her contribution to acting and charity. She was made an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and a Dame in 2017.

Her impact was not only in comedy but also in theatre, where she continued to perform well into later life.

Tributes Pour In

Tributes have flooded social media following the news. Podcaster and etiquette expert William Hanson wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Dame Patricia Routledge, 1929–2025. Now off to the candlelight supper in the sky. Thank you for everything.”

He also shared the famous scene from Keeping Up Appearances where Hyacinth, being taken away in an ambulance, insists: “Tell God it’s ‘Bouquet’.”

Fans echoed the sentiment, praising her wit, her timeless characters, and her influence on British comedy.

A Life in Theatre and Television

Born in Birkenhead, Merseyside, Patricia Routledge studied English at Liverpool University before starting her career at the Liverpool Playhouse.

Though she never married and had no children, she once explained: “I didn’t make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother. Life just turned out like that because my involvement in acting was so total.”

For Patricia Routledge, acting was not just a career but a lifelong devotion.

Dame Patricia Routledge leaves behind a legacy of laughter, talent, and unforgettable performances. From Hyacinth Bucket’s candlelight suppers to award-winning theatre roles, she shaped British entertainment for decades.

Her memory will live on with fans who continue to enjoy her timeless work.