Daughter of Catherine and Isaac Routledge. Her father was a haberdasher, and during WWII, the family lived weeks at a time living 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 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 in 1966 - 1968. Patricia has worked in TV since the early 1950s, most recently in Keeping Up Appearances. She has 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.
Named as the Top Television Comedy Actress for 1991. Named as the Personality of the Year in 1991 by the Grand Order of Water Rats (a showbiz charity) Named as the Personality of the Year in 1993 by the Variety Club of Great Britain. Awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to the Performing Arts. Voted Britain's all-time favourite TV actress. [1996] Patricia was awarded a 'Tony' in 1968 (for Best Actress in a Musical Play in "Darling of the Day"). She gave a classic performance as "Mrs. Malaprop" in "The Rivals" on the London stage. Graduated from the all girls Birkenhead High GPDST (Girls Public Day School Trust) in England. She credited the late Catholic priest, Father Edmund Colledge, for her entry into the performing arts, according to the Times of London in the late Father's obituary. Awarded honorary Doctor of Letters from her alma mater, the University of Liverpool, in 1999. She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1989 (1988 season) for Best Actress in a Musical for Candide. Awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to Drama. Won Broadway's 1968 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "Darling of the Day in a tie with Leslie Uggams for "Hallelujah, Baby!" Last name is pronounced as spelled, Rout-ledge. Not Rut-ledge.