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Performer Patricia Routledge, best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96 years old, her agent announced.

Beyond that, she starred in monologues by Alan Bennett and took on the role of the BBC's crime-solving retiree Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"It is with great sadness to confirm the loss of Dame Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning in the presence of family."

"At the remarkable age of 96, Dame Patricia's passion for her work and for engaging with theatergoers remained strong, just as modern audiences keep discovering her work through her beloved TV characters."

The announcement continued: "Her absence will be deeply felt by her inner circle and by her dedicated supporters globally."

Decades of Performance

Dame Patricia was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a comic creation who embodied the peak of English pretension and snobbery.

"She's an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her immensely," the actress said.

This classic sitcom aired from 1990 until 1995, and soon after she was voted the most beloved female performer at the BBC anniversary ceremony.

She also found acclaim on stage as well as screen after launching her acting journey in the stage in the 1950s era.

After appearances in the West End, she established herself in the America when she won the Tony Award for leading musical performer on Broadway for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.

Her talents extended at intense theater as she was at musicals and comedy - she performed in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then earned an Laurence Olivier Award for outstanding musical performance for the production Candide in the 1980s decade.

That decade also witnessed her emergence as a television icon - receiving parts by Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she received a British Academy nomination.

She garnered more award nominations, for the popular sitcom, in the early 1990s, then starred in the main character as a older lady on a quest to solve crimes in Hetty Wainthropp between 1996 to 1998.

She received an Order of the British Empire in 1993, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and the title of Dame in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

Via her memorable characters, Dame Patricia Routledge delivered humor and delight to countless viewers, establishing a impressive career portfolio that remains cherished by viewers into the future.