Patricia Routledge Interview on Parkinson - 30 January 1998

An interview with Patricia Routledge on Parkinson from Friday 30 January 1998.
Patricia talks about her long and distinguished career with Michael Parkinson. Patricia is a delightful person. A big thank you to the person who sent me this and asked me to upload it for them.
Copyright of the BBC. No profit has been made from the uploading of this video.

[@Gajol1000]

Patricia Routledge is so classy, elegant and well spoken.

[@barryspurr9577]

My goodness. A public figure who can speak clearly, grammatically, intelligently and wittily. No, like, sort of, you know or any vulgarities. Wonderful lady.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Yes, I agree. Many presenters and interviews are sloppy these days. I hate they way the cut over each when they speak as well.

[@jean2927]

Fully Agree with you…

[@MrWiggey]

Indeed. It comes from having an education, proper parents and proper teachers, who seem to be very lazy and thin on the ground, certainly in common England. English teachers in England should to be ashamed of themselves. How they get "qualifications" is beyond me. Says a lot about the English education system, such as it is.

[@connoroleary591]

Patricia Routledge is now 94, the same age as her Aunty Annie when she washed up and laid down on the sofa to die. I hope Ms Routledge is in good health and that she is around to make the world a better place for many more years.

[@charliedrosario999]

DAME Patricia, my man, is today 95, her birthday is on the 17th February. I am going to work with her. I always say if you want something to happen you have to make it happen.

[@befl1407]

LOVE hearing her thanks for all the joy you've given us

[@befl1407]

LOVE it

[@heatherwhaley7623]

I've watched both Keeping Up Appearances and Hetty Wainthropp. Phenomenal actor with impeccable timing.

[@paulcade3727]

I was in the audience for this show, such a lovely lady and Parky is just a legend in his own questions.

[@HalfbrickVHS]

As Patricia said of Parky himself shortly after this interview "He's in a class of his own"

[@Jeremy-f3s]

In Australia I remember seeing this interview played on Saturday night, this was only a few years after Keeping Up Appearances ended so to suddenly see the woman herself speaking as herself was amazing. She became world famous for that one role and yet she'd done so much other stuff before that we didn't know.

[@lynnewayne6898]

Lucky you! (No sarcasm intended, I really envy your being there). Michael Parkinson was the epitome of a chat show host - he'd always done his research, and actually listened to his guests' replies to his sensible questions. Unlike modern hosts, the show wasn't about HIM. And Patricia Routledge was an excellent guest here; both interesting and entertaining. A wonderful piece of television!

[@Jeremy-f3s]

@@lynnewayne6898 Yeah Parkinson actually listened to the guest and didn't keep trying to butt in every two seconds like interviewers do now. I was too young for his hey day in the 70s but I was a teenager and early 20s when he started up again for his second era of interviews so he was regular viewing for alot of Generation Y before he finally retired.

[@janebishop5885]

My favorite actor, Patricia Routledge. I would rather listen to her take on life and share her experiences than to watch the best movie that could be made. It was obvious that this gentleman feels the same way.

[@MarkMcloughlin-c4u]

Silence of the audience says it all. Absolute legend 👏

[@8figuresof8yes45]

“Acting is the physicalisation of imagination”. utterly spellbound by her brilliance and gentle charm. What a treasure to the world of theatre!!

[@Robert08010]

I do kinda wish the phone had rung on set just to hear her answer it one more time. And then to hear her tell Richard to call the Chinese embassy to stop all the wrong numbers for chinese take-away. She was always so delightfully out of touch!

[@jackwilkie-jans2904]

What fabulous and intellectual answers-off the cuff. Such a remarkable lady x

[@Fcutdlady]

Now Dame Patricia Routledge and still alive at 92

[@savetheplanet2982]

She was middle aged here when we were a twinkle in our fathers eye!

[@gazza2933]

She also appeared in an episode of Steptoe & Son. A fine actress.

[@sueannewatts6445]

@@savetheplanet2982 morning

[@sueannewatts6445]

@@gazza2933 and

[@sueannewatts6445]

@@gazza2933 morning

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

Love Patricia Routledge, and she´s brilliant as Hyacinth. I can also highly recommed her in a Woman of No Importance here on youtube. She´s such a versatile actress and seems like a lovely lady!

[@sarahevans8297]

I just adore this lady ....

[@VladSicoe]

I love to hear her talking. That accent sounds so classy, and so refined

[@MrWiggey]

Don't use the word "classy" It sounds so common

[@MrWiggey]

Only common people use the word "classy"

[@jjroseknows777]

What a great lady! So gracious, so intelligent, so kind and personable.

[@TheSteeeev]

I could listen to her for hours... absorbing everything she says. Absolute legend!

[@t.e.1189]

Same here, she's brilliant.

[@marklucas5639]

This is the depth and space that a talk show should allow and explore. Wonderful lady and an expert host.

[@bethlearyhegedus839]

Reminds me of both US hosts, Dick Cavett, and UK David Frost❤

[@Nina_Olivia]

Dame Patricia is just so superbly spoken! She’s an absolute joy to watch.

[@stanleybogdanski7325]

Y

[@jackieporter5323]

A wonderful, classically trained singer and actress who was academically bright, and whose love of the English language has made her a force to be reckoned with. Her Bennett monologues were mesmerising, and every part she touches she fills with life and credibility. Her diction and delivery are superb. My admiration for yet another northern woman with character and gravitas...knows no bounds. Wonderful woman.

[@Rydia704]

I always loved watching Keeping up appearances. She is a delight to watch with Parkinson.

[@ethanoreilly2002]

I really miss interviews like this! Really insightful, could listen to her for hours!

[@HaydnGuite]

A wonderful actress and a genuinely lovely person. She's had an amazing career and now in her nineties, she's still with us. Thanks Dame Patricia ❤ 😊

[@clairesuzanne1276]

She's like the Mum, Aunt, Grandma you always wanted ❤️

[@SJ-dm3eb]

The most wonderful interview, such as intelligence, a joy.

[@clivestuarteardley6049]

Listen to her sing.She is absolutely 💯 amazing

[@EileenSpeakman]

Trained opera singer, I believe. Such a gem. Such beautiful diction.

[@jonnygti]

Such a fantastic actress, and a very intelligent lady, and as a young child in the 90’s when Keeping up appearances was on tv, it was my favourite comedy show 😁

[@31Alden]

A phenomenal person and actress. I could listen to her talk all day.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Faultless. The Alan Bennett Talking Heads monologues have to be my all time favourites.

[@smokerlad]

Wonderful lady, absolute class, thanks to her for all the laughs when growing up

[@lalagonegaga]

I can literally SEE every word she says. So intelligent, so articulate, so capable of infusing everything with a special layer of meaning.

[@phily8093]

Well said. I couldn't agree more.

[@philiplewis7252]

Absolutely agree

[@phily8093]

@Bernard Fitzsimons well I think literally is often used as an emphasis these days, rather confusing, and is taking on a contradictory, secondary definition, as a hyperbolic adjective.

[@ChristSaves88]

This was an awesome interview! I love the show, “Keeping up Appearances”. My husband told me about it and I’ve watched the seasons over and over again. Stellar actors! ☺️

[@zacheryspencer]

She’ll always be Hyacinth Bucket to me:) And now she’s 94 years old:)

[@Robert08010]

Bouquet dear, Bouquet!

[@zacheryspencer]

@@Robert08010 haha yes!💁🏼✨

[@magni2073]

What a great interview.

[@alanwitton5980]

Great interview thanks for uploading it

[@StephenLoxton]

A star. A great actress of boundless talent and great sense.

[@HaydnGuite-c4s]

A great actress and a lovely, down to earth person. I loved her on Keeping Up Appearances and thought she created a brilliant and original character in Hyacinth Bucket. At the age of 95, I'm surprised that she's still with us. Let's treasure this lady while she's still with us

[@martinplatt5928]

What a wonderful lady. I really enjoyed the empathy between Parky and her.

[@kevinhickey3515]

She really is a joy to listen to. Always loved her on TV.

[@idgriffin56]

What a wonderful lady. Articulate, intelligent and funny! Fabulous.

[@davidmarc2683]

I really didn't want this interview to end. I was Spellbound . What a completely deep person Patricia is. She always shy's away from Mrs Bucket for some reason. She doesn't want to be remembered by that monster she calls her, however she played the part perfectly and even today is timeless.

[@smokerlad]

She was so perfect as Hyacinth, nobody could have played it like her. Her timing, her expressions, everybody loved it so much

[@DRthistle]

Sad that actors see what might be a silly character as upstaging and diminishing their full body of work..but when the role is so expertly done it reaches the level of possibly top 5 greatest comedic roles of all time they should celebrate it for what genius it is - despite the simplicity of it.

[@davmar5648]

@@DRthistle fully agree David. They wanted to do a further series and she refused, to do Hetty Wainthrop which nowadays no one really remembers but Mrs Bucket will always be remembered. I am really pleased that she did so many episodes that are timeless . As an actor she follows her own path like 2 weeks in Coronation Street. Any actor in 1962 would have grabbed that role with both hands and embraced it but Patricia had other ideas. I really hope Patricia doesn't eat lunch , wash up and tidy up and lie down and go to her reward at 94. I really don't.

[@MarthaMansbridge]

@@davmar5648 she was absolutely right about not doing more ‘Bucket’ it had become formulaic and absurd. Had it not had such a skilled cast, it would have ended by season 2.

[@dlamiss]

@@MarthaMansbridge Quite right. The show had peaked and was just starting to going down and she was correct to stop when she did. Too many comedies soldier on well past their best and become embarrassing. At least KUA is remembered more fondly than most

[@tlmcrae8826]

Highly intelligent and so well spoken. Love listening to her. Watched Keeping Up Appearances judiciously. She is the best!

[@madeleinebelle2105]

In another interview she'd considered becoming an English teacher. Listening to her in this interview... believe she'd have been very inspiring to children. What a wonderful way of describing acting .. " a physicalisation of the imagination".

[@gorse9030]

What a lady, what a talent, what class, and interviewed by one of the greats of his profession - tv gold.

[@dorinc6033]

Comedy is the sparkle of or lives. Thank you Dame Routledge, you have always been a blessing.

[@Pipsicle330]

Fabulous Lady. A complete class act.

[@unathleticutd]

Totally agree 👍😎

[@darraghgregory1269]

94 yesterday (17th February) she's just an absolute icon 💖

[@kjdinoc]

I love Her. What an amazing actress she is.

[@Dion_Mustard]

whenever i feel bored or miserable i switch on keeping up appearances boxset and within minutes i am on cloud9, in absolute hysterics!!!! i've always said the key to happiness and longevity is laughter and patricia certainly has had "bucket" loads of that over the years :)

[@linrob1312]

Such a wonderful actress and even more fabulous person.Loved her as Hyacinth and Hetty.

[@IslandDigital]

What a lady ! Brilliant at all she has done, such insight. Could listen to her stories all day. Love her so very much.

[@thenoobpolice3002]

Sheer class. We are so lucky to have her.

[@TheIkaraCult]

I just watched an interview with her from the last couple of years - in her 90s and still full of beans. What a legend she is

[@raidenwolfe6495]

How I've adored this woman 💙 many blessings Dame Patricia 😊

[@edward6960]

So pleased this appeared in my suggestions. A real Sunday morning treat, a very interesting interview.

[@jaiguru8487]

Brilliant Lady, Youre a legend Patricia, and your work will br remembered for the generations to come!

[@mlsr36]

If it wasn't for ' Keeping Up Appearances' I never would have realized that she was in ' To Sir With Love', with Sidney Poitier.

[@jaxxxon58]

I think it was the last time I saw that movie it actually slowly crept up on me that it was The Bucket woman!

[@Shakespearelover1717]

I just love this lady!! I have laughed until I cried at her antics on Keeping Up Appearances!!

[@nickinorton7200]

Beautiful beautiful woman. Such a wonderful soul. Id love to be her friend!

[@2202issac]

Fantastic actress and a humble lady 😘

[@bluesky4385]

Wonderful interview. She is probably my most favorite actress. I don't know though if I would ask a woman her age why she never married. That's a bit to personal a question for a TV interview. She handled it well though and moved on to the rest of the interview.

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

Well, we know why now LOL

[@谢无言]

@@MGrayl-ib5fo Will you please tell me why?

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

@@谢无言 She is gay.

[@谢无言]

@@MGrayl-ib5fo Wow, ....what a great artist she is.

[@sebastianwelcome2080]

@@MGrayl-ib5fo no way is that ture who said that about her being gay? 😳

[@RavaRiley]

This woman is a national treasure, love her

[@garyboucher965]

I'm so fortunate to have discovered this wonderful actor's work. I enjoy it very much.

[@awalk5177]

Patricia Routledge is so interesting a person and a very good interview by Michael Parkinson.

[@lindseyellen3607]

I love this lady❤funny and deep and fully aware of the world x

[@fernhadley845]

Amazing woman, a real British gem

[@Deanna_32]

I love this lady. I discovered her on Keeping up Appearances. I then found her playing Hetty Wainthropp and I wished they had made more episodes of that. She is a joy to watch, I love her personality and wish I could just give her a big hug.

[@phil4977]

As soon as she walks out you can see she is very confident on a stage. Looks at the audience and engages.

[@Gorboduc]

Compare it with her awkward entrances and exits as Kitty!

[@albertlugosi]

Too bad the interview was so short! Apart from her brilliance, the format of the interview was also very interesting. He asked meaningful questions and she was allowed to give detailed responses. They didn't speak in soundbites, they didn't speak over each other, and they didn't want to come across as the funniest people on earth. If only we still had a life so well paced still.

[@elleeme9451]

What a wonderful lady.♥️

[@cavlei]

I bloody love her! Never married but played the most perfect and irritating fish wife EVER! Do come on Richard 😂🤣❤

[@vanessakelly5993]

An intriguing & intelligent woman, loved her in Talking Heads & Hetty Wainthrop as she was so spot on 💞

[@rory4605]

Thanks for uploading this! Been reading Michael Parkinson's book of his greatest interviews recently, glad to see so much of his material is online, it means younger people like me can discover their work and have access to such treasures as this!

[@sallyspencer5624]

Pat was an opera singer and has a beautiful voice and it was not brought up in the interview. I was able to get her book with her signature signed.

[@redfire20003]

What a great actress. I love all her work. God bless you Patricia

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Just one of the loveliest people Ever. And Parkinson is a fantastic interviewer.

[@WillVenusASMR]

Dame Patricia Routledge. A TRUE national treasure ✨

[@theaussiebackflipboy]

Parkinson always was the best interviewer - ask a question and let the guest answer it without interruption or making it about himself. The lovely Dame Patricia Routledge was a perfect guest. Certainly a little Hyacinth coming through.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

Always well-spoken, thoughtful, and completely *herself* . Watching her in action over the years has informed my own writing, as she is a master at bringing to life someone else’s writing. Incredible woman.

[@debas1given]

Incredibly talented...and so much more.

[@grav20]

Delightful, legendary, kind and super talented. Dame Patricia has presence, but unlike Hyacinth Bucket, not in an overbearing way. She speaks with intelligence and wit and paints great images with her words. One of this country’s finest ever performers.

[@timelordvictorious]

Patrica Rutledge is a national treasure .keeping up appearances is a great comedy

[@Degjoy]

She speaks beautifully and with such clarity and expression

[@thistree9028]

Her comedic timing ..genius. Timing is rhythm she speaks of. ❤

[@maggieoakley9020]

Such a classy lady absolutely adored this series wasn’t she amazing?❤️❤️

[@kestrelsings]

She is delightful.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Yes she’s dear 😊

[@flyc3]

Absolute legends. The pair of them.

[@doreenzahra1719]

I love her i watched her shows every night what a beautifull lady thank you for bringing so much joy to me

[@leximac2501]

She is such a jewel. ❤️ you forever Patricia

[@jamesrsfo]

I love my Keeping up Appearances dvd series box set. Cheers me up every time I watch

[@talmadge1926]

Children were seen and not heard unless adressed. My childhood. I loved listening to the grown-ups and watching the interactions betweem them. It gave me insight, introspection and imagination and the benefit of their life experiences.

[@shirleydrury5565]

I miss Parkinson .He was a great talent❤R.I.P❤Thank you for years of happiness and great memories ❤❤❤

[@WillS.TheSuperReds.]

I'm happy to watch this because Patricia Routledge is a TV Comedy Icon And Legend , i have a grear deal of respect and love for her as a actress , as far as I'm concerned i mean who better could you have to play a snobby character like Hyacinth Bucket other than Patricia Routledge. Im not calling Patricia Routledge a snob by the way , she is just great at that role in keeping up appearances . I also have complete respect for all the rest of the cast and everyone involved creating such a great hilarious comedy like Keeping Up Appearances aswell , that show and how far it as come even to this day is a real credit to everyone involved in that great British TV comedy from the actors and actress on thay shiw that have unfortunately passed away to the ones that are still alive and well today , plus all the camera and lighting crew, the producer(s) and everyone else involved in the show👏🙌. British great comedy like keeping up appearances , one foot in the grave, the royle family e.t.c make me proud to be 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Also just for the record Parkinson is from my hometown of Barnsley, South Yorkshire!, England.

[@lynnewilley4599]

I first saw her in a small part in TO SIR WITH LOVE. One of my favorite movies still after all these decades.

[@carolineworkinprogress4911]

The first role I saw her in was as a teacher in “To Sir, With Love”.

[@asteverino8569]

What a wonderful way she has at describing things. Not just acting, to me but many of life's encounters and goals one wants to achieve.

[@marclaw4511]

A classy lady and a top rated actress.

[@jooboyjunboy1349]

She did not want to be typecasted. She is very posh.. so when she was Hyacinth, she was able to overextend herself. But that is acting. She was phenomenal in that show, and it was the Queen mothers favorite show. She loved it, and that’s why Queen Elizabeth adored her.

[@seanlohan4713]

Nice interview. Pity she didn't talk a little more about keeping up appearances. She came to the local Galway Fillm fleadh (festival) and charmed everyone with the talk she gave. Think she was a guest and promoting a film she was in at the time.

[@padraig853]

What a wonderful human being. Enthralling, talented, entertaining, just delightful.

[@eurouc]

Ouch! The line of questioning about marriage was unnecessarily awkward, however, she handled it superbly.

[@jackohara8969]

Yeah the whole line of enquiry was unnecessary wasn’t it

[@sebastianwelcome2080]

It was parkinson what do you expect

[@nelled6240]

Thank you for letting us see this video