THIRTY years since Keeping Up Appearances ended its cursed cast has faced multiple tragedies.
The hit programme first hit screens in 1990 and pulled in millions of viewers across five series.
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It followed the life of Hyacinth Bucket – a middle class woman who was desperate to climb the social ladder not matter how ridiculous she seemed to do so.
Dame Patricia Routledge played the iconic character, with Clive Swift playing her husband Richard.
Hyacinth also desperately tried to distance herself from her lower class family.
It’s now been 30 years since the last episode aired and the cast appeared to have been cursed with multiple tragedies.
Dame Patricia Routledge – Hyacinth
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The 96-year-old was named a Dame in 2017 for her services to the arts as well as charity.
After a glittering stage career she made her film debut in 1967’s To Sir With Love as teacher Clinty Clintridge alongside singer Lulu and actor Sidney Poitier.
Dame Patricia went on to play an amateur detective in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates among multiple TV and theatre roles.
She also starred in Talking Heads, a series of dramatic monologues written for the BBC by acclaimed playwright Alan Bennett.
The legend has since retired from acting.
Clive Swift – Richard Bucket
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Clive’s character Richard was the long-suffering husband of Hyacinth that pandered to her every move.
Away from the role, Clive also starred in Doctor Who and Peak Practice.
He also played Roy in The Old Guys.
Sadly Clive died at the age of 82 in 2019, leaving behind his three children.
His agent said at the time he passed away following a short illness.
Shirley Stelfox – Rose
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Shirley was the first star to play Hyacinth’s sex-obsessed sister Rose before the role was recast.
Away from Keeping Up Appearances, Shirley also held roles in Brookside as well as EastEnders.
She is best known for playing the iconic Edna Birch in Emmerdale.
Tragically Shirley died at the age of 74 in 2015 just weeks after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Mary Miller – Rose
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Mary Miller was recast to play the role of Rose from the second series of the BBC hit.
Away from her role as a sex maniac, Mary had an extensive theatre background and performed in shows throughout the country.
She also starred in Those Were The Days and Rookery Nook.
Mary lost her life to ovarian cancer at just 62 years of age in 1998, leaving behind her only child.
Geoffrey Hughes – Onslow
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Geoffrey Hughes played the hilarious character, who Hyacinth was most ashamed of being associated with.
Away from Keeping Up Appearances, the actor had a varied career and also starred in other hit comedies The Royle Family as Twiggy.
He also held roles in Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Doctor Who.
Tragically Geoffrey died from prostate cancer in 2012 aged just 68, after it returned for a second time.
Judy Cornwell – Daisy
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Actress Judy played Onslow wife Daisy in the comedy for all five series.
Her TV background is extensive, having played roles in EastEnders, The Bill, Heartbeat and Midsomer Murders.
Judy, now 85, is also a published author and has penned several books.
