Overview

• Her agent issued a statement to PA Media confirming she died this morning in her sleep, “surrounded by love.”
• Routledge became a household name as Hyacinth Bucket in BBC’s Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995), which peaked at about 13 million viewers and was later named BBC Worldwide’s most-exported show.
• She earned major theatre honors, winning a Tony Award in 1968 for Darling of the Day and an Olivier Award in 1988 for Candide.
• Her television credits included leading Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and acclaimed performances in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, along with BAFTA nominations and a British Comedy Award.
• She received an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and was made a Dame in 2017, as fans and industry figures shared tributes recalling her influence and signature role.