Jean Marsh, Emmy Winner and ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ Co-Creator, Dies at 90

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Jean Marsh, the actress who won an Emmy and jointly created and starred in the 1970s British drama “Upstairs, Downstairs,” passed away on Sunday at her residence in London. She was 90 years old.

According to reports by The New York Times and as shared by filmmaker and close friend Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Marsh’s passing was due to complications from dementia.

Together with actor Eileen Atkins, Marsh initially conceived and developed the TV series “Upstairs, Downstairs.” During the series’ run from 1971 to 1975, spanning across 54 episodes, Marsh portrayed Rose Buck – the maid in the house parlor. In addition, she resumed her role in the 2010 revival of the show.

Marsh received a Primetime Emmy in 1975 for her leading actress role on television, specifically in the drama series category. The initial broadcast of the show garnered seven Emmys and a Peabody Award. Over the course of her career, she was nominated for four Emmys in total, one of which was for her performance in the revival of “Upstairs, Downstairs”.

Or, in a more conversational tone:

Back in 1975, Marsh took home a Primetime Emmy for her exceptional work as the leading actress on a drama series. The show itself earned seven Emmys and a Peabody Award during its original run. Throughout her career, she was nominated for four Emmys, one of which was for her role in the remake of “Upstairs, Downstairs”.

Over the span of my career, I’ve had the privilege to grace both films and TV screens with my presence. One unforgettable moment was when I donned the regal attire of Queen Bavmorda in Ron Howard’s magical adventure “Willow,” alongside Val Kilmer. I also delved into the suspenseful world of Alfred Hitchcock in his thriller “Frenzy,” ventured back to Oz under Walter Murch’s guidance, and graced 26 episodes of the humorous sitcom “Nine to Five.” I even made a brief appearance on an episode of “Hawaii Five-O” and starred in 15 episodes of the timeless series “Doctor Who” from 1965 to 1989. In recent years, I revisited my role as Queen Bavmorda in the 2022 remake of Disney’s “Willow.

Marsh graced the London stage as well, with roles in “The Bird of Time” (1961), “The Chalk Circle” (1992), and “The Old Country” (2006). Prior to her part in “Upstairs, Downstairs,” she had a role in John Gielgud’s 1959 Broadway production titled “Much Ado About Nothing.

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2025-04-13 23:46