Patricia Routledge Dies at 96: Career, Net Worth, Life & Legacy

Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known as Hyacinth Bucket from "Keeping Up Appearances," has died peacefully at age 96. Her immense talent and warm presence touched millions through stage, screen, and television.

Patricia Routledge Age and Early Life

Patricia Routledge Birth Date: Born February 17, 1929, in Tranmere, Birkenhead, England, Patricia Routledge grew up loving literature and drama. Her path led from the University of Liverpool to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and ultimately, a brilliant career on stage and screen.

Dame Patricia Routledge, 1929 - 2025.

Now off to the candlelight supper in the sky. Thank you for everything.

Hyacinth’s final words in Keeping Up Appearances seem fitting. pic.twitter.com/rgu16hLppw

— William Hanson (@williamhanson) October 3, 2025

Patricia Routledge Career Journey

Patricia’s career soared in Britain, America, and beyond:

• Stage debut at Liverpool Playhouse in 1952

• Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (“Darling of the Day,” 1968)

• Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical (“Candide,” 1988)

• Iconic TV roles: Hyacinth Bucket in "Keeping Up Appearances" and Hetty Wainthropp in "Hetty Wainthropp Investigates"

• Other beloved appearances in Alan Bennett’s “Talking Heads,” Victoria Wood’s comedies, and classic dramas

She played in more than 60 television shows and 56 stage productions throughout her lifetime, always bringing humor and heart.

Patricia Routledge’s Net Worth

Patricia Routledge’s estimated net worth was around $2.5 million, earned from decades of theatre, television, film, and voice work.

ALSO READ: Patricia Routledge’s Final Message Before 95 Shared

Patricia Routledge Partner and Personal Life

Patricia Routledge never married and had no children. She often spoke about her deep dedication to acting as the reason she chose her path. She enjoyed close friendships with many fellow artists and was a patron of theatre and arts charities. Since 2000, she lived a quiet life in Chichester, England.

Children & Family

Patricia Routledge did not have any children. Her legacy lives on through her extended family and the worldwide audience she made smile.

Movies and TV Shows You’ll Love

Patricia shined in film and television, with memorable roles including:

Movies:

• To Sir, with Love (1967)

• 30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia (1968)

• Don’t Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968)

• Pretty Polly (1968)

• The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom (1968)

• If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969)

TV Shows:

• Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

• Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996–1998)

• Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV (1985–1986)

• Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads (1988, 1998)

• Sense and Sensibility (1971)

Where Is Patricia Routledge Now?

Until her passing, Patricia Routledge lived a quiet life in Chichester and made rare appearances for charity work or reminiscing about her career. Her contributions to arts and culture continue to inspire young performers.