Patricia Routledge
Birthday:
17 February 1929, Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, UK
Birth Name:
Katherine Patricia Routledge
Height:
165 cm
Daughter of Catherine and Isaac Routledge. Her father was a haberdasher, and, during WWII, the family lived weeks at a time in the basement of her father's shop. She attended Birkenhead High School, where she sang in the choir and ran the Sunday School. She studied English at Liverpool University, and, after graduation, worked without pay at t...
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Daughter of Catherine and Isaac Routledge. Her father was a haberdasher, and, during WWII, the family lived weeks at a time in the basement of her father's shop. She attended Birkenhead High School, where she sang in the choir and ran the Sunday School. She studied English at Liverpool University, and, after graduation, worked without pay at the Liverpool Playhouse. She was asked to join the company, and she later studied at Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol. She then moved to London, where she built an impressive stage career over the next several years, also appearing on Broadway 1966-1968. Patricia has worked in TV since the early 1950s, most recently in Keeping Up Appearances (1990). She also recorded an album, "Presenting Patricia Routledge", and worked in film and radio. She has never married or had children, has said that she will not retire, and lives in Kensington and Surrey when not working. Show less «
On acting: "I was fully alive and it frightened me. I was in a tremendous turmoil about it."
On acting: "I was fully alive and it frightened me. I was in a tremendous turmoil about it."
There is nothing like that audience response when it's working with you - nothing.
There is nothing like that audience response when it's working with you - nothing.
I don't think you can go it alone. There is a positive force for good outside oneself, call it God if you like, that has the strength to tur...Show more »
I don't think you can go it alone. There is a positive force for good outside oneself, call it God if you like, that has the strength to turn darkness into light. Show less «
When I approach the pearly gates, I'd like to hear a champagne cork popping, an orchestra tuning up, and the sound of my mother laughing.
When I approach the pearly gates, I'd like to hear a champagne cork popping, an orchestra tuning up, and the sound of my mother laughing.
I just want to do good work with good people in good places. And as for retirement, I can hardly spell the word. I'm driven, really. The dem...Show more »
I just want to do good work with good people in good places. And as for retirement, I can hardly spell the word. I'm driven, really. The demons won't lie down. Show less «
People have always pitied spinsters. We have been derided, as if we had missed out on life. Well, we need not miss out on anything today!
People have always pitied spinsters. We have been derided, as if we had missed out on life. Well, we need not miss out on anything today!
[on Alastair Sim] There lives and breathes a comic genius of gargantuan proportions.
[on Alastair Sim] There lives and breathes a comic genius of gargantuan proportions.
[on quitting Keeping Up Appearances (1990)] I decided to part company with Hyacinth because there were other adventures to have. I'm an acto...Show more »
[on quitting Keeping Up Appearances (1990)] I decided to part company with Hyacinth because there were other adventures to have. I'm an actor and I like to play other roles. Show less «
[on the cancellation of Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996)] We were betrayed by the BBC. We finished series four of Hetty Wainthropp, we w...Show more »
[on the cancellation of Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996)] We were betrayed by the BBC. We finished series four of Hetty Wainthropp, we were told there was going to be series five. But no word ever came - how rude! The BBC is run by 10-year-old children. Show less «
[on her character Hyacinth Bucket] The basic premise of Hyacinth is pretension and that's the source of so much comedy. While attempting to ...Show more »
[on her character Hyacinth Bucket] The basic premise of Hyacinth is pretension and that's the source of so much comedy. While attempting to be a social climber, she also had to deal with members from the other side of her family like Onslow, who sat around in his string vest drinking beer. In a way, the show was a microcosm for society. Show less «
[about her damehood] I'm very surprised indeed, but very pleased that the honour pertains to theatre.
[about her damehood] I'm very surprised indeed, but very pleased that the honour pertains to theatre.
Patricia Routledge's Photos
