Patricia Routledge, the British actress famous for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at 96, Deadline reports.

She became a household name in the 1990s with her role as the fussy, status-obsessed character. The show ran for five seasons, from 1990 to 1995, and is still one of the BBC’s most popular comedies.

Her agent confirmed Routledge’s passing in a statement. “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 dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”

Patricia Routledge was a celebrated British actress best known for her unforgettable role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. Born on February 17, 1929, in Birkenhead, England, she developed a love for performing at a young age and went on to study English at the University of Liverpool before pursuing acting professionally.

Her career began on stage, where she became a respected figure in British theatre. Routledge performed extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company and earned acclaim for her versatility, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles. In 1968, she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Darling of the Day on Broadway.

While she enjoyed a long and successful stage career, it was television that brought her worldwide fame. In 1990, she was cast as Hyacinth Bucket, the pretentious, social-climbing housewife in Keeping Up Appearances. The series ran until 1995 and cemented her status as a comedy icon, with the character still beloved decades later.

Beyond comedy, Routledge showcased her dramatic range in series such as Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, where she played a down-to-earth amateur detective. She also appeared in numerous period dramas, films, and radio productions.

Recognized for her contributions to the arts, she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2004 and later a Dame Commander (DBE) in 2017. Known for her sharp wit, professionalism, and commanding presence, Routledge was admired by peers and audiences alike.