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Keeping Up Appearances’ Clive Swift Dies at Age 82

2019-02-01

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English actor and songwriter Clive Swift has passed away at the age of 82. His family confirmed he died on Friday at home, surrounded by family and following a short illness.

Keeping Up Appearances: Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket and Clive Swift as Richard Bucket

Swift was best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket’s long suffering husband Richard opposite Dame Patricia Routledge in the BBC series Keeping Up Appearances from 1990 to 1995. Afterward, Swift also starred in another BBC comedy series aired on VisionTV The Old Guys, as Roy, the grumpier half of another great comedic duo. Swift also guest-starred in several different TV series such as Doctor Who, Born and Bred and Peak Practice up until 2017.
The Old Guys - Roger Lloyd Pack as Tom and Clive Swift as Roy

A decade-long member of the Royal Shakespeare Company before his television and film career took off, Swift was more than a worthy match for Routledge’s star power in Keeping Up Appearances. He skillfully played the character of Richard by earning just the right amount of laughter and sympathy from the audience as the frequent victim of Hyacinth’s intense particularity. The lasting success of the series can only be attributed to both Routledge and Swift’s comedic talent and delightful chemistry as husband and wife.

Swift also held a deep appreciation for the working actor’s life and wrote two books on his craft, “The Job of Acting” in 1976 and “The Performing World of the Actor” in 1981. He helped establish The Actors Centre in London, an organization that supports the development of actors throughout their careers.

Fans and collaborators have shared their condolences and favourite memories of the beloved actor since his passing.

VisionTV viewers can watch Swift in Keeping Up Appearances Thursdays at 10:30pm ET.

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