Patricia Routledge
- Born:
- Margaret Patricia Routledge, 17 February 1929, Birkenhead, Cheshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Singer
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Birkenhead High School.
- Attended the University of Liverpool, graduating with a BA in English.
- Studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career in regional theatre.
- Made her West End debut in 1952.
- Gained prominence in musical theatre, including roles in The Boyfriend and Little Mary Sunshine.
- Achieved significant television success, most notably as Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet") in the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances (1990-1995).
- Received critical acclaim for her dramatic roles, including Alan Bennett's Talking Heads.
- Won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Darling of the Day (1968).
- Patricia Routledge's career, meticulously documented in numerous sources, often leads to inquiries regarding a comprehensive 'patricia routledge actress biography'.
- Appointed a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1993 and a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2017 for services to theatre and charity.
Notable Works
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990-1995 | Keeping Up Appearances | Hyacinth Bucket | Lead Role |
| 1987 | Talking Heads: A Lady of Letters | Miss Schofield | Alan Bennett Monologue |
| 1996-1998 | Hetty Wainthropp Investigates | Hetty Wainthropp | Lead Role |
Theatre
- The Boyfriend
- Little Mary Sunshine
- Darling of the Day
- Candide
Legacy and Impact
Dame Patricia Routledge is celebrated for her versatile performances across stage and screen, particularly for her comedic timing and her ability to portray complex characters. She has left a lasting impact on British entertainment through her iconic television roles and her significant contributions to musical theatre.