Routledge, Patricia (1929–)

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Routledge, Patricia (1929–)

English actress. Born Katherine Patricia Routledge, Feb 17, 1929, in Birkenhead, Cheshire, England; dau. of Catherine and Isaac Routledge (haberdasher); attended Liverpool University; studied at Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol; never married; no children.

Made stage debut at Liverpool Playhouse (1952), then had a long stage and tv career; won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Darling of the Day (1967); appeared in title role in The Duchess of Gerolstein (1978) and as Queen Margaret in Richard III (1984); won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Candide (1988); probably best known for comedic turn as Hyacinth Bucket on tv series "Keeping Up Appearances" (1990–95); also appeared as Hetty Wainthropp in "Hetty Wainthropp Investigates" (1996–98). Awarded OBE (1993).