Anna Dawson, Who Starred in Keeping Up Appearances, Has Passed Away at 88; Husband Died 6 Months Earlier

Keeping Up Appearances Star Anna Dawson Dies Aged 88

Anna Dawson was known to millions as the well-heeled sister of Hyacinth Bucket in the popular BBC sitcom.
But Anna died just six months after her husband, John Boulter, who was a soloist in the Black and White Minstrel Show. Her death was announced by Christ Church Anglican at Korerareka, Russell, in New Zealand on the Paihia Community Facebook page.
They said, “It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of a dear member of our faith community, former actress Anna Boulter, née Dawson.
Anna passed away peacefully this afternoon at 3 pm in Kerikeri.”

Many from the Russell community will remember Anna and her late husband, John Boulter, who lived in Okiato and Tapeka. Funeral arrangements to follow.

Fans Mourn Keeping Up Appearances’ Anna Dawson, 88

Following the news about the tragic incident, numerous admirers started posting their condolences on social media X. The actress’s old friend and the ‘Only Fools and Horses’ star John Challis’s widow, Carol, wrote about the sad turn of events.
“Sad news. An old friend. God bless you, Anna.” She wrote in her message. Additionally, people replied to the post with comments such as:
“Oh no, how sad. Goodness—Penelope Keith, Michael Byrne, and now Anna Dawson.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that the actress and singer Anna Dawson has passed away.”
“Anna Dawson, a.k.a. Violet from Keeping Up Appearances, has died. I do hope heaven has a Mercedes, sauna, and room for a pony. RIP, queen.”

Violet’s Final Act: From Benny Hill to New Zealand

She then made her debut alongside comedy legend Benny Hill in his famous sitcom, as well as The Kenny Everett Video Show in the 1980s.
Anna then landed the role of Hyacinth’s sister Violet in Keeping Up Appearances, who was frequently mentioned by the titular star as ‘the one with the Mercedes, sauna and room for a pony.’
Although she was often mentioned on the series, Anna appeared only four times as Violet in the fifth series of the show in 1995.

She announced her retirement from acting in 1995 and moved to a retirement village in New Zealand with her husband, John. The New Zealand Herald reported in December that John passed away ‘peacefully surrounded by family.’