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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
Jean Marsh Obituary
Jean Marsh, co-creator and star of the British drama "Upstairs, Downstairs," died April 13, 2025, of complications from dementia at her home in London at the age of 90.
Marsh had already made a slew of on-screen appearances before creating the show that made her famous, including on "The Twilight Zone," the 1970 adaptation of "Jane Eyre," and Alfred Hitchcock's 1972 thriller, "Frenzy." In 1971, she and her friend, actress Eileen Atkins, conceived of "Upstairs, Downstairs," a show that explored the end of British aristocracy in the early 20th Century. The show was a hit, running for five series over 68 episodes, and winning her an Emmy in 1975 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Marsh also had turns in films like "Return to Oz" and "Willow," where she played Princess Mombi and the villainous queen Bavmorda of Nockmaar, respectively. She made appearances on shows like "Murder, She Wrote," and she had a long association with the "Doctor Who" franchise, playing three different characters opposite three different Doctors.
"Jean was so funny, and so kind to me when I was playing a very young German boy in 'Upstairs Downstairs,'" actor Keith Jayne said on Facebook. "She made me (and my Mum who took me) incredibly welcome. Jean actually took the trouble to explain to me what happened in a TV studio and I shall forever be grateful to her."
(Image: Press Association via AP Images)
12 Entries
Ron Stanek
June 15, 2025
God bless this actress who has done so much in her life, she has been so loved by many and will be remembered always. I am very glad she was around in my lifetime, an incredible woman!RIP
Robert Watkin
June 10, 2025
You know, 165 Eaton Place became my home too and over the years thanks to modern technology I can revisit as often as I want, which is quite often, now and again. It grieves me immensely that almost all the fine actors have since passed away including the latest here in Jean Marsh who was part creator of these most wonderful entertaining series of life in Edwardian times. Thank you Jean, for brightening my life over all the years from the 1970's to date. I am sorry you have left us and I hope that you are now in a better place than the servant's hall at No 165 Eaton Place.
Chris B
May 11, 2025
Rest in peace to our much loved old next door neighbour x
J Hoffman
April 23, 2025
A brilliant and inspirational actor who will be remembered for her nuanced role as Rose in Upstairs, Downstairs. Sending condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. May she rest in peace with God by her side.
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RB
April 20, 2025
A talented actress that so many were familiar with and got to know from her many roles on TV and in the movies. Sincere condolences to the Marsh family, so very sorry for your loss. May God give strength and comfort to you in your time of loss.
Carolyn David
April 20, 2025
I watched Upstairs Downstairs when it first aired here in the United States, and was hooked from the first moment. What a brilliant piece of work, how fascinating the glimpse into another time and culture. And to think that Jean Marsh herself was the co- creator was so impressive.
She broke my heart when her soldier fiancé died. Then for good measure she broke it again in that poignant episode of Twilight Zone.
Sometimes the passing of someone one has never met feels as immediate as does the death of a good friend. Goodbye, dear Ms. Marsh, may you rest in peace.
Lauren Bishop
April 19, 2025
Miss Marsh will always be treasured because she gave us memorable characters and a body of theatrical work that is timeless. Her star shines!
John Roberts
April 17, 2025
Like her acting in "The Eagle has Landed"
Brian T
April 16, 2025
I would have loved to be on an asteroid alone with Jean Marsh!
Dr. Michael Banks
April 15, 2025
Was living in London during the shooting of Upstairs Downstairs and was given the opportunity to appear as an extra in several scenes shot in a famous, old restaurant. I was excited by the prospect until it was revealed to me that Jean Marsh, a truly great English actress, would not be on set so I would have no prospect of meeting her. Even at the age of 81 I still feel the disappointment. Her interpretation of Rose is iconic, even by the highest standards of British acting. Rest in Peace, kind Spirit!
Forever in love with Rose.
April 15, 2025
I fell so in love with Upstairs Downstairs immediately when it aired here in the States. I identified with Rose very much, even though I am a straight male. She had such an enormous heart but was ever so lonely.
I was crushed when her Sergeant Gregory was killed in that ridiculous war. Thanks TONS for this series, Miss Marsh. I'm sure St. Peter will be honoured to greet you if he can tear himself away from his umpteenth viewing of the final episode, "Whither Shall I Wander."
Elizabeth Bell
April 14, 2025
RIP Jean Marsh
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