Three and a half decades after its debut, the beloved BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances remains a global television phenomenon. The show, which ran for five series between 1990 and 1995, was acquired by 992 channels worldwide, captivating audiences from America to Australia with its hilarious portrayal of social climber Hyacinth Bucket and her eccentric family.
The Enduring Legacy of Hyacinth Bucket
The unforgettable character of Hyacinth was brought to life by the accomplished actress Dame Patricia Routledge. Prior to the role, she was a celebrated theatre star with Tony and Olivier awards to her name. After the sitcom ended, she led the BBC series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. Honoured as a Dame in 2017, Routledge passed away in October 2025 at the age of 96. Her representative noted her unwavering passion for performance, stating she would be "dearly missed by her devoted admirers around the world."
Her long-suffering on-screen husband, Richard, was masterfully portrayed by Clive Swift. The classically-trained actor later appeared in a Doctor Who Christmas special and toured with a one-man show. He was married to author Margaret Drabble for 15 years before their separation. Swift made his final TV appearance in 2017 and died in February 2019, aged 82.
Tragic Losses and Beloved Characters
The show's creator, Roy Clarke, named the scruffy, philosophy-loving Onslow as his favourite character. He was played by Geoffrey Hughes, famous for his role in Coronation Street. Hughes later starred in The Royle Family and Heartbeat before sadly passing away from prostate cancer in 2012.
Hyacinth's flirtatious sister Rose was portrayed by two actresses. Shirley Stelfox played her in the first series before finding fame as Edna Birch in Emmerdale; she died in 2015. Mary Millar took over the role for the remaining four series. The West End star later played Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast but tragically died from ovarian cancer in November 1998, aged 62.
Where Are the Rest of the Cast Now?
Judy Cornwell, who played the romantically eager Daisy, highlighted the show's enduring appeal, saying it resonated with how "everybody has to cope with family." Now 85, Cornwell later appeared in EastEnders and Birds of a Feather, and has written several novels.
Hyacinth's nervous neighbour, Elizabeth, was played by Josephine Tewson, who enjoyed a career spanning over 50 years. She was once married to actor Leonard Rossiter. Tewson continued acting and even toured with a one-woman show about her career into her 80s. She died in 2024, aged 91.
David Griffin, who played Elizabeth's brother Emmet, is now 81. Known for Hi-de-Hi! prior to the sitcom, he later toured globally in a stage show with Su Pollard. The cast's journeys, from worldwide fame to personal heartbreak, cement the show's place as a timeless classic in British comedy history.
