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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for embodying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy the series Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the age of 96, as confirmed by.

Beyond that, she featured in Alan Bennett's celebrated solo performances and took on the role of the BBC's amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep today in the presence of family."

"Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia's passion for her work and for engaging with theatergoers stayed vibrant, just as younger viewers are still enjoying her roles through her popular screen performances."

The announcement continued: "She will be dearly missed by her inner circle and by her devoted admirers globally."

Decades of Performance

Patricia Routledge was primarily recognized as the character Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a humorous character who exemplified the extremes of affectation and class consciousness.

"She's an absolute monster and I had great fun with the role enormously," the star remarked.

Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from 1990 to 95, and soon after she was voted the most beloved female performer at the television awards.

Beyond television, she received recognition on stage as well as screen after starting her career in the stage in the 1950s era.

With performances in the West End, she made a name in the US when she won the Tony for outstanding actress in a musical on Broadway in New York for the musical Darling of the Day in the late 1960s.

Her talents extended at intense theater as she was at musicals and comedy - she performed in classic plays at the prestigious theater company, then earned an theater prize for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s.

That decade also witnessed her emergence as a household name - receiving parts by comedian Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she was given a Bafta award nomination.

She garnered more award nominations, for Keeping Up Appearances, in 1992 and 1993, then took the lead in the title role as a senior citizen on a mission to investigate mysteries in the series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 and 98.

She was made an OBE in the nineties, a Commander of the British Empire in the 2000s, and the title of Dame in 2017.

A Remarkable Life

Through her unforgettable roles, Patricia Routledge brought laughter and joy to millions, creating a extensive body of work that is still enjoyed by admirers for generations to come.