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Performer Patricia Routledge, best known for portraying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the popular TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has passed away at the age of 96, according to.

She also appeared in monologues by Alan Bennett and portrayed BBC One's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"It is with great sadness to share the loss of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep recently with loved ones near."

"Despite her advanced years, her love for performing and for connecting with live audiences remained strong, just as new generations have continued to find her through her beloved screen performances."

Her agent noted: "She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her loyal fans worldwide."

An Illustrious Career

Patricia Routledge was most famous as the character Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a humorous character who embodied the peak of affectation and class consciousness.

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

Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from the early 1990s, and a year later she was voted the UK's favorite actress at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

Additionally, she found acclaim in theater and film after beginning her professional life in the theater in the 1950s era.

Following roles in London theater, she made a name in the US when she was awarded the Tony for leading musical performer on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.

She was as adept at intense theater as she was at light entertainment - she performed in classic plays at the prestigious theater company, then received an theater prize for leading musical actress for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 1980s also marked her rise as a household name - receiving parts by Victoria Wood in As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in three of his renowned Talking Heads monologues, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she received a Bafta award nomination.

She garnered two further Bafta nominations, for Keeping Up Appearances, in 1992 and 93, then starred in the title role as a senior citizen on a journey into detective work in Hetty Wainthropp between the late 1990s.

She was made an Order of the British Empire in the nineties, a CBE in 2004, and the title of Dame in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

Via her iconic performances, Dame Patricia Routledge provided comedy and entertainment to countless viewers, establishing a extensive career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by admirers for years ahead.