Keeping Up Appearances remains one of Britain’s most treasured sitcoms, with its timeless humor and unforgettable characters still enjoyed by audiences worldwide. The BBC series, which ran from 1990 to 1995, followed the life of Hyacinth Bucket (“pronounced Bouquet”), a middle-class woman obsessed with climbing the social ladder while constantly being thwarted by her chaotic family.

While Dame Patricia Routledge led the show as the iconic Hyacinth, the series was bolstered by an outstanding supporting cast. Now, decades later, many of the beloved actors have passed away, while others have continued their careers in television, theatre, and beyond.

Let’s take a look at where the stars of Keeping Up Appearances are today.

At 94, Dame Patricia Routledge remains a legend of British entertainment. Despite stepping away from television years ago, she still makes rare public appearances and remains a strong advocate for the arts.

Her career spanned over 70 years, with successes in theatre, television, and even musical performances. She won a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for her stage work and was widely recognized for her incredible talent in dramatic monologues, particularly in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads.

Following Keeping Up Appearances, she took on another leading role in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, playing a sharp-witted amateur detective.

In 2017, Patricia was made a Dame for her services to theatre and charity. She has never married or had children but remains deeply respected and admired. Recently, she received honorary membership at the Royal Academy of Music, marking another milestone in her storied career.

Clive Swift played Hyacinth’s long-suffering husband, Richard, who patiently endured his wife’s relentless efforts to appear more refined. Unlike his on-screen counterpart, Clive had a thriving career outside of Keeping Up Appearances, performing for a decade with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

After the sitcom ended, he appeared in Doctor Who in 2007, as well as other TV series like Peak Practice and The Old Guys.

Clive was also a songwriter, often touring with his music performances. He was a father of three, including his son Joe Swift, a well-known presenter on Gardeners’ World.

Sadly, Clive passed away in 2019 at the age of 82.

Josephine Tewson (Elizabeth Warden)

Josephine Tewson portrayed Hyacinth’s anxious neighbor Elizabeth, who was constantly on edge whenever handling Hyacinth’s delicate china.

Her career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Last of the Summer Wine, where she played Miss Davenport, and various other British TV shows.

She even performed a one-woman stage show, Still Keeping Up Appearances, in her 80s.

Josephine passed away in August 2022 at the age of 91.

David Griffin (Emmet Hawksworth)

David Griffin played Emmet, Elizabeth’s brother, who spent most of his time trying to avoid Hyacinth and her musical ambitions.

David had a successful career outside of Keeping Up Appearances, appearing in shows like Hi-de-Hi! and various stage productions.

Shirley Stelfox (Rose, Series One)

Shirley Stelfox played the original Rose, Hyacinth’s flirtatious and provocative sister. She later found great success in soap operas, starring in EastEnders, Brookside, Family Affairs, and Emmerdale, where she played the stern village matriarch Edna Birch.

Shirley passed away in 2015 at the age of 74, just four weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mary Millar (Rose, Series Two Onwards)

Mary Millar took over the role of Rose in Keeping Up Appearances, replacing Shirley Stelfox in the second season.

Before joining the sitcom, she had a highly successful career in musical theatre, even serving as Julie Andrews’ understudy in Camelot.

In 1997, she took on the role of Mrs. Potts in the West End production of Beauty and the Beast but was forced to leave due to health issues.

Tragically, Mary passed away from ovarian cancer in 1998 at the age of 62.

Geoffrey Hughes (Onslow)

Geoffrey Hughes stole every scene as Onslow, Daisy’s laid-back, beer-drinking husband who was the complete opposite of Hyacinth’s refined aspirations.

Before Keeping Up Appearances, he was already well known for playing binman Eddie Yeats in Coronation Street. After the sitcom, he went on to star as Twiggy in The Royle Family and Vernon Scripps in Heartbeat.

Sadly, Geoffrey was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990s and suffered a relapse in 2010. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 68.

Judy Cornwell (Daisy)

Judy Cornwell played Daisy, Onslow’s endlessly romantic wife, who was always trying to entice her husband into showing her some affection.

After Keeping Up Appearances, she appeared in shows like EastEnders, Doctor Who, and Midsomer Murders. She also had a successful writing career, publishing several novels.

Now 82, Judy is still married to her longtime husband, journalist John Kelsall Parry. She remains a beloved figure in British television history.

Jeremy Gittins (Michael the Vicar)

Jeremy Gittins played the handsome vicar who often found himself entangled in Hyacinth’s overly eager attempts to impress.

While not as widely recognized as some of his co-stars, Jeremy has continued acting, making appearances in various British television series.

In 2020, he and Judy Cornwell even reunited on Celebrity Pointless.

The Enduring Legacy of Keeping Up Appearances

Though many of its beloved stars have passed away, Keeping Up Appearances remains a staple of British television, with reruns still airing in over 100 countries. Hyacinth Bucket’s desperate attempts to prove her refinement continue to entertain audiences, proving that the humor of the show is as timeless as ever.

From actors who went on to great success in other roles to those who left a lasting legacy in British entertainment, the Keeping Up Appearances cast will always be remembered for bringing laughter and joy to millions.