Patricia Routledge, best known for playing snobbish social-climber Hyacinth Bucket in beloved British sitcom “Keeping Up Appearances,” has died. She was 96.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love,” her agent said in a statement to the PA Media news agency.

“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. She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”

Born in the north of England near Liverpool, Routledge made a name for herself on stage in the U.K. and later the U.S., winning

See Full Page