Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the classic sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the age of 96.

The beloved actress is being remembered fondly, with tributes flooding in from fans and fellow performers.

James Dreyfus shared his thoughts on X, writing: “We just lost a truly formidable, talented & brilliant actress. One of the very best. RIP Dame Patricia Routledge,” while William Hanson posted: “Dame Patricia Routledge 1929-2025. Now off to the candlelit supper in the sky. Thank you for everything. Hyacinth’s final words in Keeping Up Appearances seem fitting.”

In an official statement, her agent confirmed: “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 deeply missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”

Not long before her death, Dame Patricia spoke about her time on the iconic show, which featured Clive Swift, Geoffrey Hughes, and Judy Cornwell. Though the series concluded in 1995, it continues to resonate with audiences, with many referencing her unforgettable character in their messages of condolence.

Earlier this year, she opened up about the significance the sitcom had on its viewers, especially those experiencing hardship. In the Channel 5 documentary Keeping Up Appearances: 30 Years of Laughs, she said: "There are people who can't really get beyond Keeping Up Appearances if they think about me, but it did make a great difference, and I do get the most wonderful letters. I'm very grateful for that because you realise how important it is to have made people happy."

She continued: "I remember a wonderful letter some years ago from a little lady and she felt that the world had really come to an end." The actress recalled: "She said that she made herself a cup of tea and sat down and put the television set on and then she said, 'There you were'. It just helped me get through a very, very difficult time. It makes it all thoroughly worthwhile.", reports the Express.

Routledge also mentioned the show's popularity among prominent figures, including members of the Royal Family and church leaders. In the same documentary, she shared: "We were one of the Queen Mother's favourite sitcoms, which was lovely, and the Queen enjoyed it, too. Hyacinth would have been flattered beyond words, and why not."

A Look at the Cast: Tragedies and Losses

Though there's no confirmed "Keeping Up Appearances curse," a number of the show’s cast members have faced tragic fates.

Clive Swift, who portrayed Hyacinth’s long-suffering husband Richard, died in 2019 at the age of 82.

Shirley Stelfox, the original actress who played Hyacinth’s sister Rose, died of cancer in 2015 at 74, only weeks after her diagnosis. Mary Miller, who stepped into the role of Rose for the second season, passed away from ovarian cancer in 1998 at 62, leaving behind her only child.

Geoffrey Hughes, known for playing the laid-back Onslow, died from prostate cancer in 2012 at the age of 68.