Anna Dawson, best known for playing Violet in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 88.
The Bolton-born actress passed away peacefully at 3pm on Saturday, June 27, in Kerikeri, according to her local church.
Christ Church Anglican shared the news on Facebook, describing Dawson as “a much-loved member of our faith community.”
The beloved sitcom, which aired between 1990 and 1995, saw Dawson play Violet — the sister of Patricia Routledge’s iconic Hyacinth Bucket.
Routledge herself passed away last year aged 96.
Dawson enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years before stepping away from acting. She first made her mark on London’s West End stage, appearing in a number of musical productions.
She later moved into television, landing roles in shows including Dixon of Dock Green, The Benny Hill Show, and The Kenny Everett Video Show.
Her role as Violet in Keeping Up Appearances may have only lasted four episodes, but the character became unforgettable — often referenced by Hyacinth as “the one with the Mercedes, sauna and room for a pony.”
After the sitcom ended in 1995, Dawson retired from acting for good.
She later moved to New Zealand with her husband, John Boulter, settling in the Russell community where they lived in Okiato and Tapeka.
Boulter, who rose to fame as a soloist on the BBC variety programme The Black and White Minstrel Show, died in December 2025 aged 94.
The couple died just six months apart, with Dawson following her husband after many years together.
Their church said the pair would be warmly remembered by many in the local Russell community.
Tributes have continued to pour in since news of her death broke.
Carol Challis, widow of John Challis, wrote on social media: “Sad news. An old friend. God bless you, Anna.”
Fans also shared heartfelt tributes online, with one writing: “I hope heaven has a Mercedes, a sauna and room for a pony. RIP.”
Another said: “So sad to hear this. She was brilliant in Keeping Up Appearances. Rest in peace, Anna.”
A third simply wrote: “Goodnight, Anna.”
