Keeping Up Appearances and Benny Hill star Anna Dawson dies aged 88
Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson has passed away at the age of 88. The actress best remembered for portraying Violet Bucket, the sister of Dame Patricia Routledge's Hyacinth, in the beloved sitcom died peacefully on Saturday according to a statement.
Her church community in New Zealand, Christ Church Anglican at Kororareka Russell, announced the sad news through a touching post. "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a much treasured member of our faith community former actress Anna Boulter nee Dawson they wrote. Many from the Russell community will remember Anna and her late husband John Boulter who lived in Okiato and Tapeka."
The announcement arrives just six months following the death of Dawson's husband John Boulter.
Dawson launched her extensive television career in 1964 with an appearance in Dixon of Dock Green, subsequently securing roles in Slapstick and Old Lace and Mother Goose. Her rise to prominence came during the 1970s through her work on the Benny Hill Show and the Morecambe and Wise Show, later featuring on game shows such as Blankety Blank and Give Us a Clue.
During the mid-1990s she captured audiences' hearts on Keeping Up Appearances as Violet, the sister whom Hyacinth Bucket constantly boasted about as the one with the Mercedes, sauna and room for a pony. Although officially credited for just four episodes, she delivered memorable performances alongside Routledge, Clive Swift, Geoffrey Hughes and Josephine Tewson. Violet marked Dawson's last role before she stepped away from acting and relocated to New Zealand alongside her husband.
The announcement of her passing follows just months after her iconic co-star passed away last October aged 96. "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love," her agent announced at the time. "Even at 96 years old Dame Patricia's passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned."