British actress and writer Jean Marsh, most noted for co-creating and starring in the television series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” passed away on April 13 at the age of 90, her agent confirmed. According to her long-term friend, film director Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Marsh died peacefully in bed.
The actress, who was born in London, received an Emmy Award for her role as Rose Buck, a tough yet compassionate parlour maid, in the 1970s drama that examined class structures in Edwardian England. This role brought her international acclaim and established her as a significant figure in British television.
“She was wise and funny… very pretty and kind, and talented both as an actress and writer,” Sir Michael said in a statement. He shared that he had almost daily phone calls with Marsh over the past 40 years, describing her as “an instinctively empathetic person who was loved by everyone who met her.”
The idea for “Upstairs, Downstairs” originated when Marsh and her friend, actress Dame Eileen Atkins, were house-sitting in France. Marsh later told the New York Times they conceived of a period drama centered on the servants of a wealthy family. Together with John Hawkesworth and John Whitney, they created the series.
The ITV show was both a critical and commercial success in the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was broadcast on PBS. The series, which chronicled the lives of the Bellamy family and their servant staff, is credited with inspiring later period dramas, such as “Downton Abbey.”
Besides her memorable role in “Upstairs, Downstairs,” Marsh had a diverse career spanning several decades. She appeared in films like “Cleopatra,” “Willow,” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy.” Her television appearances included “Doctor Who,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Grantchester.” She also played villainous characters in films such as “Return to Oz” and “Willow,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
In 1991, Marsh reunited with Dame Eileen Atkins to create another successful BBC costume drama, “The House of Eliott.” This further established her reputation as a creator of engaging period television.
In 2010, Marsh returned as Rose Buck when “Upstairs, Downstairs” was reimagined by the BBC. She was the only original cast member to reprise her role, appearing in five episodes of the revival. Although the new series did not achieve the same success as the original, it introduced a new audience to the character that had brought Marsh acclaim.
Marsh came from a working-class background and was reportedly dissatisfied with the lack of representation of “real workers” in shows like “The Forsyte Saga.” This viewpoint influenced her approach to “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which aimed to give equal focus to both the aristocratic family and the servants, providing a balanced portrayal of Edwardian society.
Her stage career was equally notable, with roles in productions of works by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Marsh began her performing arts career as a dancer and mime artist before transitioning to acting in repertory theater and television. She also spent three years in the United States, where she appeared on Broadway and in various television shows.
Marsh was briefly married to actor Jon Pertwee, who later became known for his role as the Third Doctor in “Doctor Who.” Following their divorce, she had romantic relationships with several actors while maintaining close friendships, especially with Dame Eileen Atkins.
In 2011, Marsh experienced a stroke and a minor heart attack, which forced her to reduce her acting commitments. She missed much of the second series of the “Upstairs, Downstairs” revival due to these health issues.
In recognition of her contributions to drama, Marsh was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012. The honor acknowledged her extensive impact on British television, film, and theatre.
Marsh’s legacy endures through her creative works, particularly “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which remains a landmark television series for its portrayal of class relations. Her passing marks the conclusion of a notable career that spanned seven decades and made a significant impact on British drama.