British actress and writer Jean Marsh, known for co-creating and starring in the television series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 90, as confirmed by her agent. She died peacefully in bed, according to her longtime friend, film director Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg.
Born in London, Marsh gained international recognition for her role as Rose Buck, a parlour maid, in the 1970s drama that explored class dynamics in Edwardian England. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award, solidifying her status 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 noted that they had almost daily phone conversations over 40 years, describing her as “an instinctively empathetic person who was loved by everyone who met her.”
The idea for “Upstairs, Downstairs” was conceived when Marsh and her friend, actress Dame Eileen Atkins, were house-sitting in France. Marsh later told the New York Times that they envisioned a period drama focused on the servants of a wealthy family. Together with John Hawkesworth and John Whitney, they developed the series.
The show aired on ITV and became a critical and commercial success in both the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was broadcast on PBS. The series, detailing the lives of the Bellamy family and their servants, is credited with inspiring later period dramas such as “Downton Abbey.”
Marsh’s career extended beyond “Upstairs, Downstairs,” as she appeared in films like “Cleopatra,” “Willow,” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy.” Her television roles included appearances in “Doctor Who,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Grantchester.” She also played villainous characters in “Return to Oz” and “Willow,” demonstrating her range as an actress.
In 1991, Marsh reunited with Dame Eileen Atkins to create another successful BBC costume drama, “The House of Eliott,” further establishing her as a creator of period television.
In 2010, Marsh returned to her role as Rose Buck in the BBC’s revival of “Upstairs, Downstairs.” She was the only original cast member to reprise her role, appearing in five episodes of the series. The revival introduced her character to a new audience, although it did not achieve the same level of success as the original.
Coming from a working-class background, Marsh was reportedly disappointed by the lack of representation of “real workers” in shows like “The Forsyte Saga.” This perspective influenced her work on “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which aimed to give a balanced view of both the aristocratic family and their servants in Edwardian society.
Her stage career was also notable, with roles in plays by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Marsh began as a dancer and mime artist before moving into acting in repertory theater and television. She spent three years in the United States, where she appeared on Broadway and in various television shows.
Marsh was married briefly to actor Jon Pertwee, who later became the Third Doctor in “Doctor Who.” After their divorce, she had relationships with several actors and maintained close friendships, especially with Dame Eileen Atkins.
In 2011, Marsh experienced a stroke and a minor heart attack, which led her to reduce her acting roles. These health issues prevented her from participating in much of the second series of the “Upstairs, Downstairs” revival.
Marsh was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 in recognition of her contributions to drama. This honor reflected her impact on British television, film, and theatre over several decades.
Her creative works, particularly “Upstairs, Downstairs,” remain influential, marking a significant point in television history for its depiction of class relations. Her death signifies the end of a distinguished career that left a lasting impact on British drama.
