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Star Patricia Routledge, renowned for portraying Hyacinth Bucket in the popular television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96 years old, her agent announced.

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

"We are deeply saddened to share the death of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep today in the presence of family."

"At the remarkable age of 96, Dame Patricia's passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences stayed vibrant, just as new generations are still enjoying her roles through her beloved television roles."

Her agent noted: "She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers globally."

A Life in the Spotlight

Dame Patricia was primarily recognized as Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a humorous character who exemplified the height of affectation and class consciousness.

"Hyacinth is a terrible snob and I enjoyed playing her tremendously," the actress said.

Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from the early 1990s, and the following year she was chosen as the nation's most popular actress at the television awards.

Beyond television, she found acclaim both live and recorded after launching her acting journey in the theatre in the 1950s era.

Following roles in the West End, she established herself in the United States when she received the Broadway trophy for best lead actress in a musical on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.

She proved equally skilled at dramatic roles as she was at song-and-dance and humor - she appeared in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then won an Olivier Award for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.

That decade also marked her rise as a household name - landing appearances by Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she was given a Bafta nomination.

She garnered two further Bafta nominations, for her Hyacinth role, in 1992 and 1993, then headlined the main character as a older lady on a quest to solve crimes in the series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 to 1998.

She received an Order of the British Empire in 1993, a CBE in the 2000s, and damehood in recent years.

A Lasting Legacy

Via her memorable characters, Dame Patricia Routledge delivered humor and joy to countless viewers, leaving behind a extensive collection of performances that remains cherished by admirers for years ahead.