Tragic fates of Keeping Up Appearances cast: Curses and Losses

The Curse of Keeping Up Appearances

Thirty years have passed since the beloved sitcom Keeping Up Appearances ended, but the cast has faced multiple tragedies since then. The show, which first aired in 1990, followed the comedic life of Hyacinth Bucket, a middle-class woman determined to climb the social ladder.

The Iconic Cast

Dame Patricia Routledge portrayed the iconic character of Hyacinth, while Clive Swift played her long-suffering husband, Richard. Dame Patricia was named a Dame in 2017 for her contributions to the arts and charity. Clive Swift, who also appeared in Doctor Who and Peak Practice, passed away at the age of 82 in 2019.

Tragic Losses

Shirley Stelfox, who played Hyacinth's sister Rose before being recast, passed away at the age of 74 in 2015 after a cancer diagnosis. Mary Miller, who took over the role of Rose in the second series, succumbed to ovarian cancer at just 62 years old in 1998. Geoffrey Hughes, known for his role as Onslow, died from prostate cancer in 2012 at the age of 68. Actress Judy Cornwell, who played Daisy, continues to thrive at 85 and has also delved into writing, publishing several books.