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Star Patricia Routledge, best known for embodying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the popular television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, according to.

Beyond that, she starred in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and played BBC One's crime-solving retiree Hetty Wainthropp.

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

"Despite her advanced years, her love for performing and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations have continued to find her through her beloved screen performances."

The announcement continued: "She leaves a void by those closest to her and by her loyal fans globally."

A Life in the Spotlight

Patricia Routledge was primarily recognized as Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a comic creation who represented the peak of English pretension and snobbery.

"Hyacinth is a terrible snob and I had great fun with the role immensely," the actress said.

The series Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from 1990 to 95, and soon after she was named the nation's most popular actress at the BBC anniversary ceremony.

Additionally, she earned praise on stage as well as screen after launching her acting journey in the stage in the 1950s era.

Following roles in London theater, she established herself in the US when she received the Tony Award for outstanding actress in a musical on Broadway in New York for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.

She was as adept at intense theater as she was at musicals and comedy - she performed in classic plays at the prestigious theater company, then won an Laurence Olivier Award for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 80s also marked her rise as a true national TV star - landing appearances by Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in three of his renowned Talking Heads monologues, including the 1988 piece A Lady of Letters, for which she received a Bafta nomination.

She earned additional Bafta nods, for her Hyacinth role, in 1992 and 93, then headlined the central part as a senior citizen on a quest to solve crimes in Hetty Wainthropp between 1996 to 1998.

She was made an Order of the British Empire in the nineties, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and a dame in 2017.

A Remarkable Life

With her unforgettable roles, Patricia Routledge provided comedy and entertainment to millions, leaving behind a rich body of work that is still enjoyed by viewers into the future.