Jean Marsh Death, Obituary: Upstairs, Downstairs Star and Doctor Who Vet, Dead at 90
Jean Marsh, the British actress renowned for her role as Rose Buck in the seminal television series Upstairs, Downstairs, has passed away at the age of 90. Marsh died on Sunday at her home in London due to complications from dementia, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed to The New York Times.
Marsh was not only the star of Upstairs, Downstairs but also its co-creator, helping to shape a drama that became a cornerstone of British television. The series, which originally aired on ITV from 1971 to 1975, explored the lives of both the wealthy Bellamy family and their domestic servants in early 20th-century London. Marsh portrayed the parlormaid Rose Buck, a character that resonated deeply with audiences. For her work on the show, Marsh received three Primetime Emmy nominations, winning in 1976 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
In a testament to the show’s lasting appeal, Upstairs, Downstairs was revived by BBC Wales from 2010 to 2012. Marsh reprised her iconic role as Rose, garnering a fourth Emmy nomination for her performance in the continuation series.
Beyond her Upstairs, Downstairs acclaim, Marsh was known to science fiction fans for her role as Sara Kingdom in Doctor Who, appearing opposite William Hartnell’s First Doctor during the 1965-66 season. Her performance as the futuristic space agent who battles the Daleks is still remembered fondly by longtime fans of the show.
Marsh had a broad and diverse career in television, with roles in series such as The Informer, Nine to Five, No Strings, The Tomorrow People, The Ghost Hunter, and Sensitive Skin.
Her film work included appearances in notable productions such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy (1972), The Eagle Has Landed (1976), Willow (1988), Return to Oz (1985), and more. Remarkably, Marsh’s acting career continued well into her later years, with her final credited role appearing in the 2022 Disney+ reboot of Willow.
Jean Marsh leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work, not only in front of the camera but also behind it as a creative force. She broke barriers for women in television and brought depth, dignity, and complexity to characters often overlooked. Her contributions to British drama and international television will not be forgotten.