Spoiler Alert: A Rare Glimpse into Dame Patricia Routledge’s Early Career and Legacy
Newly unearthed photographs of Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her iconic portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, offer fans a rare look at the actress before she became a household name. These throwback images, dating back to 1962, show a very different side of the star—one that highlights her elegance and versatility long before her signature bouffant hairstyle and sharp comedic timing defined her public image.
In one of the images, Dame Patricia is seen from her time in the stage production Little Mary Sunshine, with her long hair flowing dramatically down her back, secured by a bow. This was a striking contrast to the short, immaculately styled look that later became synonymous with her portrayal of the social-climbing Hyacinth. Another rare photograph from the same era shows her with soft curls cascading past her shoulders—a softer, more relaxed hairstyle that many fans may find surprising given her later polished appearance.
Though Dame Patricia’s comedic brilliance in Keeping Up Appearances earned her widespread fame, her career actually began in the theatre, where she quickly gained critical acclaim. Her theatrical background was pivotal in shaping the depth and nuance she brought to every performance, whether on stage or screen. In 1966, she earned the Whitbread Award for her exceptional performance in How’s the World Treating You?, and just two years later, in 1968, she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Darling of the Day. Her success continued with an Olivier Award in 1979 for And a Nightingale Sang…, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most accomplished stage actresses.
Despite achieving monumental success in television, Dame Patricia’s heart remained with the stage. Her decision to bring Keeping Up Appearances to an end in 1995 was rooted in her desire to maintain the quality and originality of the show. In a special documentary, Dame Patricia Routledge Remembers…Keeping Up Appearances, she explained that she felt the writing was becoming repetitive, and, inspired by the career choices of Ronnie Barker, she chose to leave the show while it was still at its peak.
Her departure from the beloved sitcom didn’t mark the end of her career, however. Dame Patricia continued to explore a variety of roles, proving that she was more than just a comedic actress. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to theatre and charity.
Even as she stepped back from the public eye, Dame Patricia’s legacy has only grown stronger. The newly discovered photographs provide a glimpse into her earlier years and serve as a reminder of her extraordinary range as an actress. Whether through her legendary stage performances or reruns of Keeping Up Appearances, Dame Patricia’s impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. Now 95, she remains a cherished national treasure, admired for her talent, grace, and remarkable body of work.
