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Performer Patricia Routledge, renowned for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved TV sitcom the series Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the 96 years old, according to.

She also starred in Alan Bennett's celebrated solo performances and portrayed the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"It is with great sadness to share the death of Dame Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep today with loved ones near."

"At the remarkable age of 96, her dedication to acting and for reaching out to fans remained strong, just as modern audiences have continued to find her through her cherished TV characters."

Her agent added: "Her absence will be deeply felt by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers globally."

A Life in the Spotlight

Patricia Routledge was best known as the character Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a comic creation who exemplified the height of English pretension and snobbery.

"She's an absolute monster and I had great fun with the role tremendously," the actress remarked.

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

She also found acclaim on stage as well as screen after starting her career in the theatre in the 1950s era.

Following roles in London theater, she established herself in the United States when she was awarded the Tony Award for best lead 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 took part in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then earned an theater prize for best actress in a musical for Candide in the 1980s.

That decade also witnessed her emergence as a television icon - landing appearances by Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including the 1988 piece A Lady of Letters, for which she received a Bafta nomination.

She received additional Bafta nods, for the popular sitcom, in 1992 and 93, then headlined the title role as a older lady on a mission to investigate mysteries in Hetty Wainthropp between 1996 and 98.

She was honored with an OBE in the nineties, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and damehood in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

With her iconic performances, Patricia Routledge delivered humor and delight to millions, leaving behind a extensive career portfolio that remains cherished by admirers for generations to come.