Dame Patricia Routledge is instantly recognizable for her signature bouffant hairstyle, a polished look that became an iconic part of her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances. The neatly coiffed waves and immaculately styled locks were as much a part of Hyacinth’s persona as her obsession with social climbing and insisting her surname was pronounced “Bouquet.”

However, a newly unearthed throwback image from 1962 reveals a very different side to the celebrated actress. At the time, Dame Patricia was starring in the stage production of Little Mary Sunshine, and as she sat in her dressing room, her hair—though still styled in its signature bouffant fashion—flowed dramatically down her back.

A bow secured the long locks, a stark contrast to the short, structured look audiences would later associate with her.

A second image from the same era shows the legendary actress with her hair in soft curls, cascading past her shoulders in a style that many fans may find surprising. The rare photographs offer a glimpse into a lesser-seen version of the star, showcasing her elegance and versatility long before she became a household name through her television roles.

While many remember Dame Patricia for her brilliant comedic timing in Keeping Up Appearances, her career began and flourished in the theatre. She first gained recognition on stage, where her powerful performances won the admiration of critics and audiences alike.

Her talent was undeniable, leading to a series of major accolades. In 1966, she received the prestigious Whitbread Award for her outstanding performance in How’s the World Treating You?.

Two years later, in 1968, she earned the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Darling of the Day. A decade later, in 1979, she won the Olivier Award for And a Nightingale Sang…, further cementing her place as one of Britain’s most accomplished stage actresses.

Though she went on to achieve widespread fame in television, Dame Patricia’s heart always remained close to the stage. Her theatrical background gave her performances a depth and nuance that made her comedy even more compelling, as she knew exactly how to command a scene, no matter the medium.

Despite Keeping Up Appearances becoming one of the BBC’s most beloved sitcoms, running for five successful series between 1990 and 1995, it was Dame Patricia herself who made the bold decision to bring it to an end.

In the special Dame Patricia Routledge Remembers…Keeping Up Appearances, the actress shared the reasoning behind her choice, revealing that she felt the writing was beginning to lose its originality. “I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas,” she admitted. Rather than allowing the show to overstay its welcome, she wanted it to end on a high note.

She referenced the great Ronnie Barker, known for his impeccable comedic timing and smart career choices, as an inspiration. “He always stopped when he was at the height of something, and he always left with people saying, ‘Oh, aren’t you doing any more?’ rather than people saying, ‘Is that still on?’”

For Dame Patricia, the decision wasn’t just about the show itself—it was also about her personal artistic journey. “That’s the place to be, really,” she said. “And I had other adventures to explore. I’m an actress, and I wanted to take on the stories of other people.”

Her departure from Keeping Up Appearances didn’t mean the end of her career. She continued to take on diverse roles, proving time and time again that she was not just a sitcom star but a performer with incredible depth and range.

Even decades after Keeping Up Appearances ended, Dame Patricia remains one of Britain’s most cherished actresses. Her achievements in theatre, film, and television have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Beyond her performances, she has received numerous honors for her contributions to the arts, culminating in her being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to theatre and charity.

Despite stepping back from the limelight, Dame Patricia’s legacy continues to thrive. Whether through reruns of Keeping Up Appearances, her celebrated stage performances, or rare glimpses into her past—such as these unearthed throwback photos—her impact remains as strong as ever.

The newly rediscovered images of Dame Patricia with long hair serve as a fascinating reminder of her ever-evolving presence throughout her career. While fans have become accustomed to her refined and polished look, these photographs reveal another side of the actress—one that reflects her early days in theatre and her natural elegance.

Regardless of the hairstyle she wore or the roles she played, one thing is certain: Dame Patricia Routledge has always exuded grace, talent, and an undeniable stage presence. Even at 95, she remains a national treasure, celebrated for her wit, charm, and extraordinary body of work.