Patricia Routledge, Keeping Up Appearances Legend, Dies Aged 96

<div><img src="https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/68dfb302180000c0b25d1017.jpg?cache=nVLzhSxcRs&ops=crop_182_304_2504_1800%2Cscalefit_630_noupscale" alt="Patricia Routledge at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2008" data-caption="Patricia Routledge at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2008" data-credit-link-back="" data-credit="Nils Jorgensen/Shutterstock" />Patricia Routledge at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2008</div><div class="content-list-component text"><p><span style="font-weight:400"><a href="news/patricia-routledge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dame Patricia Routledge</a>, the award-winning British actor best known for her leading performance in the sitcom <a href="news/keeping-up-appearances/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keeping Up Appearances</a>, has died at the age of 96.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400">On Friday morning, Dame Patricia’s spokesperson told the PA news agency: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400">“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.”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400">Their statement added: “She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400">Keeping Up Appearances fans will remember Dame Patricia for her work as the iconic comedy character Hyacinth Bucket, which she performed fo