British actress and writer Jean Marsh, famed for her role in and co-creation of the television series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” passed away on April 13 at the age of 90, as confirmed by her agent. According to film director Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg, a close friend, Marsh died peacefully in her sleep.
Originating from London, Marsh was celebrated with an Emmy Award for her role as Rose Buck, a parlour maid with a tough exterior and a compassionate heart, in the 1970s drama that delved into class distinctions in Edwardian England. Her portrayal garnered international fame and established her as a significant presence 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 spoke of having almost daily phone conversations with Marsh over the past 40 years, describing her as “an instinctively empathetic person who was loved by everyone who met her.”
The concept for “Upstairs, Downstairs” emerged while Marsh and her friend, actress Dame Eileen Atkins, were house-sitting in France. Marsh later explained to the New York Times that they conceived the idea of a period drama focusing on the servants of a wealthy family. Together with John Hawkesworth and John Whitney, they developed the series.
The ITV series achieved both critical and commercial success in the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was broadcast on PBS. The show depicted the lives of the Bellamy family and their household staff, and it is often credited with inspiring later period dramas like “Downton Abbey.”
Besides her iconic role in “Upstairs, Downstairs,” Marsh had a varied and extensive career across several decades. She appeared in films such as “Cleopatra,” “Willow,” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy.” Her television appearances included roles in “Doctor Who,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Grantchester.” She also portrayed villainous characters in movies like “Return to Oz” and “Willow,” highlighting her range as an actress.
In 1991, Marsh collaborated again with Dame Eileen Atkins to co-create another successful BBC costume drama, “The House of Eliott,” further solidifying her reputation for producing engaging period television.
In 2010, Marsh returned to her role as Rose Buck when the BBC reimagined “Upstairs, Downstairs.” She was the sole original cast member to reprise her character in five episodes of the reboot. Although the new series did not match the success of its predecessor, it introduced the character to a new audience.
Coming from a working-class background, Marsh was reportedly dissatisfied with the lack of representation of “real workers” in shows like “The Forsyte Saga.” This perspective shaped her approach to “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which aimed to equally highlight the aristocratic family and their household staff, offering a more balanced view of Edwardian society.
Her stage career was also notable, with roles in productions of works by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Marsh began her performing arts journey as a dancer and mime artist before transitioning to acting in repertory theatre and television. She spent three years in the United States, appearing on Broadway and in various television shows.
Marsh was briefly married to actor Jon Pertwee, who later became known as the Third Doctor in “Doctor Who.” Following their divorce, she had 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 necessitated a reduction in her acting activities. These health issues caused her to miss much of the second series of the “Upstairs, Downstairs” revival.
In 2012, Marsh was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her significant contributions to drama. This honor reflected her decades-long impact on British television, film, and theatre.
Marsh’s creative works, particularly “Upstairs, Downstairs,” continue to be viewed as landmark achievements that transformed the depiction of class relations on television. Her passing marks the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning seven decades, leaving a lasting impact on British drama.
