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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for playing the character Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the 96 years old, her agent announced.

Beyond that, she appeared in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and took on the role of the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp.

"We mournfully announce to confirm the loss of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep recently in the presence of family."

"At the remarkable age of 96, her dedication to acting and for reaching out to fans remained strong, just as modern audiences keep discovering her work through her beloved television roles."

Her agent continued: "She leaves a void by her family and friends and by her loyal fans around the world."

Decades of Performance

Dame Patricia was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a humorous character who embodied the peak of English pretension and snobbery.

"She is a wonderfully awful character and I enjoyed playing her tremendously," the performer commented.

This classic sitcom was broadcast from 1990 until 1995, and a year later she was voted the most beloved female performer at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

She also earned praise both live and recorded after launching her acting journey in the theater in the mid-20th century.

Following roles in London theater, she established herself in the United States when she was awarded the Tony Award for outstanding actress in a musical on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.

Her talents extended at serious drama as she was at song-and-dance and humor - she appeared in Richard III and Henry V at the RSC, then won an theater prize for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 80s also marked her rise as a true national TV star - being given roles by comedian Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she was given a Bafta nomination.

She garnered additional Bafta nods, for the popular sitcom, in 1992 and 93, then took the lead in the main character as a older lady on a journey into detective work in the series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between the late 1990s.

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

An Enduring Impact

Through her iconic performances, Patricia Routledge provided comedy and delight to audiences worldwide, leaving behind a impressive body of work that will continue to be celebrated by admirers for years ahead.