Jean Marsh, the Emmy-winning British actress and co-creator of the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, passed away on April 13th at the age of 90 in her London home. The news was confirmed by The New York Times, with friend and filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg stating that her death was due to complications from dementia.
Marsh is best known for her portrayal of Rose Buck, the beloved housemaid in Upstairs, Downstairs, which first aired from 1971 to 1975 in the UK and later became a sensation in the United States through PBS. The groundbreaking drama, set in Edwardian London, explored the intertwined lives of an upper-class family and their servants, and became a cultural phenomenon. Its influence helped pave the way for future successes like Downton Abbey.
Not only did Marsh star in the series, but she also co-developed it alongside fellow actress Eileen Atkins. She appeared in all 54 episodes of the original series, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 1975 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. When Upstairs, Downstairs was revived in 2010, Marsh returned to her iconic role as Rose, further cementing her status as a beloved figure in British television. Throughout its impressive run, the show earned seven Emmys and a Peabody Award.
In addition to her role as Rose, Marsh had a prolific career across film, television, and theatre. She appeared in Ron Howard’s fantasy film Willow and starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy. Marsh was also a frequent guest star on Doctor Who, making appearances from 1965 to 1989. Her final on-screen appearance was a cameo in Disney’s 2022 television series based on Willow.
Born Jean Lyndsay Torren Marsh in 1934 in London, she came from a working-class background. In a 1972 interview with The Guardian, Marsh shared that, growing up, the idea of a career in science was not something a working-class person would consider; instead, she said, “You either did a tap dance or you worked in Woolworth’s.”
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to drama, Jean Marsh was honored with the title Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.
Marsh leaves behind a legacy as one of British television’s most enduring icons, and her work continues to inspire generations of actors and viewers alike.