Jean Marsh, the acclaimed actress and co-creator of the groundbreaking, Emmy Award–winning British television series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” has died at the age of 92. She passed away at her home in London on Sunday, April 13. She was 90 years old. Born in London in 1934, Marsh’s life and career were marked by remarkable achievements in acting and writing, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
As a child, what Marsh grew up witnessing was the nightmare of World War II itself, staying in London even during the Blitz itself. She later reflected on this tumultuous period, stating, “I remember thinking the bombing would never stop.” Determined to address the challenges in her community, her family organized. To this end, they put her in dance school – it was an unconventional physical therapy. It wasn’t long before her interest evolved into a deep desire to pursue acting. So at 16 she became very brave and decided to change course.
Marsh’s young adult life included an eight-year marriage to fellow actor Jon Pertwee from 1955–1963. In 1959, she made her big breakthrough on Broadway in “Much Ado About Nothing.” Her film career quickly followed, including a memorable role in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy” in 1972. Her work as Rose Buck in “Upstairs, Downstairs” carved her legacy in stone. She developed the show with Eileen Atkins, with whom she originally starred in 1971. Set in the world of a privileged family and their domestics, the drama, created by Julian Fellowes, won hearts across the globe.
For her portrayal of Rose Buck, Marsh garnered critical acclaim, winning an Emmy Award in 1975 for Outstanding Lead Actress. During the series’ original run, she received three nominations, showcasing her talent and the public’s affection for her character. Cooper, The Atlantic Marsh famously wrote long ago of the complexity of Rose. He noted that, for all her acerbic wit, folks had pity on her and adored her profoundly. When the public falls in love with you, they’re never in love with you enough.
Aside from “Upstairs, Downstairs,” Marsh had a rich professional life as an actress. She appeared in the classic 1980 horror film “The Changeling.” Later, in 1988, she went on to enthrall audiences again, this time as the wicked Queen Bavmorda in George Lucas’s “Willow,” directed by Ron Howard. She headlined the short-lived 1982 television adaptation of “9 to 5,” based on the movie of the same name.
Marsh’s career had many highlights, but she frequently chose projects that gave her the chance to pursue her convictions about the complicated nature of humanity. “I don’t like playing 100 percent goody-goodys,” she stated. Her perspective on character development extended to her views on gender representation in media: “I think there are just as many evil and stupid women out there as men.”
In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Marsh was named an Officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. This special tribute recognized her groundbreaking influence as a performer. It honored her status as a trailblazer for female creators in the television and film industries.
Marsh’s legacy lives on, not just through her artistic impact, but in her dynamic personality and her openness to interact with viewers. She fondly recalled the reactions of children who feared her character’s menacing presence: “That was huge fun. I used to walk down the street, and kids would look at me and [gasps] and run away from me.”
Even with her accomplishments, Marsh never got too high on herself and loved to think back to where she came from. Her authentic portrayals emerged from a profound emotional investment in her characters and the stories they were telling. In discussing Rose Buck’s relationship with the family she served, she remarked, “Rose would have adored the family she served… They would have treated her like an animal, and she would have come back for more.”