The ‘curse’ of Keeping Up Appearances revealed – 30 years after classic BBC sitcom ended
THIRTY years since Keeping Up Appearances ended its cursed cast has faced multiple tragedies.
The hit programme first hit screens in 1990 and pulled in millions of viewers across five series.
It followed the life of Hyacinth Bucket – a middle class woman who was desperate to climb the social ladder not matter how ridiculous she seemed to do so.
Dame Patricia Routledge played the iconic character, with Clive Swift playing her husband Richard.
Hyacinth also desperately tried to distance herself from her lower class family.
It’s now been 30 years since the last episode aired and the cast appeared to have been cursed with multiple tragedies.
Dame Patricia Routledge – Hyacinth
The 96-year-old was named a Dame in 2017 for her services to the arts as well as charity.
After a glittering stage career she made her film debut in 1967’s To Sir With Love as teacher Clinty Clintridge alongside singer Lulu and actor Sidney Poitier.
Dame Patricia went on to play an amateur detective in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates among multiple TV and theatre roles.
She also starred in Talking Heads, a series of dramatic monologues written for the BBC by acclaimed playwright Alan Bennett.
The legend has since retired from acting.
Clive Swift – Richard Bucket
Clive’s character Richard was the long-suffering husband of Hyacinth that pandered to her every move.
Away from the role, Clive also starred in Doctor Who and Peak Practice.
He also played Roy in The Old Guys.
Sadly Clive died at the age of 82 in 2019, leaving behind his three children.
His agent said at the time he passed away following a short illness.
Shirley Stelfox – Rose
Shirley was the first star to play Hyacinth’s sex-obsessed sister Rose before the role was recast.
Away from Keeping Up Appearances, Shirley also held roles in Brookside as well as EastEnders.
She is best known for playing the iconic Edna Birch in Emmerdale.
Tragically Shirley died at the age of 74 in 2015 just weeks after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Mary Miller – Rose
Mary Miller was recast to play the role of Rose from the second series of the BBC hit.
Away from her role as a sex maniac, Mary had an extensive theatre background and performed in shows throughout the country.
She also starred in Those Were The Days and Rookery Nook.
Mary lost her life to ovarian cancer at just 62 years of age in 1998, leaving behind her only child.
Geoffrey Hughes – Onslow
Geoffrey Hughes played the hilarious character, who Hyacinth was most ashamed of being associated with.
Away from Keeping Up Appearances, the actor had a varied career and also starred in other hit comedies The Royle Family as Twiggy.
He also held roles in Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Doctor Who.
Tragically Geoffrey died from prostate cancer in 2012 aged just 68, after it returned for a second time.
Judy Cornwell – Daisy
Actress Judy played Onslow wife Daisy in the comedy for all five series.
Her TV background is extensive, having played roles in EastEnders, The Bill, Heartbeat and Midsomer Murders.
Judy, now 85, is also a published author and has penned several books.
Best 80s sitcoms
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.