Patricia Routledge: A ‘One-Off’ Talent Honored After Death
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Actor John Monaghan Remembers ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ Co-Star Patricia Routledge
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John Monaghan shared fond memories of his four years working with Patricia Routledge on the beloved British sitcom, shortly before her death on October 4, 2023, at age 92.
A Lasting Bond
Actor John Monaghan, who played Admiral Sir Hugo Cholmondeley-Smythe in “Keeping Up Appearances,” spoke warmly about his relationship with Patricia Routledge, who famously portrayed Hyacinth Bucket. He described a connection built over four years of filming and extended beyond the television studio. Monaghan recounted moments, both professional and personal, that he said he woudl cherish for the rest of his career.
He recalled a particularly touching memory shared by Routledge during a conversation a few months prior to her death. She remembered an afternoon spent watching a lamb being born in the Peak District while on location for the show. “So I think when you worked with someone for four years, there’s a lot of experiences that you have with each other, but as a person, you know, very individual, and as an actor, extremely talented,” Monaghan said.
Final Meeting and Enduring Kindness
Monaghan shared details of a lunch he had with Routledge in London earlier in 2023, stating he was “reliably informed that it was probably the last kind of outing she took.” Despite her declining health, Routledge was still able to enjoy a glass of champagne and maintain her characteristic wit, making Monaghan smile.
he emphasized her continued thoughtfulness, noting that she inquired about his family – his parents and brother - and offered advice, even while visibly unwell. “She wasn’t well, she wasn’t a well woman, it took her a lot of effort to get there, and she was still asking about my parents, asking about my family, asking about my brother, and still happy to kind of give advice and laugh,” Monaghan said.
Routledge’s Early Career and Hyacinth Bucket
Patricia Routledge’s portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”) became iconic, but she first brought the character to life on BBC Radio 4. She originally played Hetty in David Cook’s Missing Persons, which was adapted for the Book At Bedtime series and later co-written with John Bowen for television.Radio Times provides a thorough overview of the cast of “Keeping Up Appearances” and their current whereabouts.