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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, famous for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96, according to.

Additionally, she appeared in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and took on the role of BBC One's crime-solving retiree Hetty Wainthropp.

"We mournfully announce to confirm the death of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep today with loved ones near."

"Despite her advanced years, Dame Patricia's love for performing and for engaging with theatergoers stayed vibrant, just as modern audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles."

The statement continued: "She leaves a void by her inner circle and by her devoted admirers globally."

Decades of Performance

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

"She's an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her immensely," the actress remarked.

Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from 1990 until 1995, and the following year she was chosen as the nation's most popular actress at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

Additionally, she found acclaim both live and recorded after launching her acting journey in the theater in the 1950s.

After appearances in the West End, she made a name in the US when she was awarded the Tony for leading musical performer on Broadway for Darling of the Day in the late 1960s.

She was as adept at dramatic roles as she was at light entertainment - she performed in Richard III and Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Company, then earned an Olivier Award for best actress in a musical for the production Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 80s also witnessed her emergence as a television icon - landing appearances by Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she earned a Bafta award nomination.

She received additional Bafta nods, for the popular sitcom, in 1992 and 1993, then starred in the main character as a senior citizen on a mission to investigate mysteries in BBC One's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between the late 1990s.

She was made an OBE in 1993, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and damehood in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

With her memorable characters, Patricia Routledge delivered humor and delight to millions, creating a rich body of work that remains cherished by viewers into the future.