Emmy-winning 'Upstairs, Downstairs' actress Jean Marsh passes away at 90

ANI April 14, 2025 141 views

Jean Marsh, the legendary British actress who captivated audiences through her iconic role in 'Upstairs, Downstairs', passed away at 90 in London. Her remarkable career spanned decades, earning her an Emmy Award and widespread acclaim in television and film. Beyond her acting, Marsh was a talented creator who co-developed multiple acclaimed series, including the beloved period drama. Her legacy in British entertainment remains profound, remembered not just for her performances, but for her significant contributions to storytelling on screen.

"Despite her ailing health condition, the actress retained a positive outlook towards life" - Deadline Report
Washington DC, April 14: Jean Marsh, the Emmy-winning actress and co-creator of the acclaimed 1970s British drama 'Upstairs, Downstairs,' has died at the age of 90, reported Deadline.

Key Points

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Emmy-winning actress who defined 1970s British television drama

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Co-created groundbreaking series Upstairs, Downstairs

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Celebrated for role as parlormaid Rose Buck

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Honored with OBE in 2012

The cause of her death was due to complications from dementia, according to her close friend Michael Lindsay-Hogg, who shared the news with the New York Times, as quoted by Deadline. The actress reportedly passed away in London on Sunday.

Marsh was popularly known for her role as Mrs. Rose Buck, the household's parlormaid, in the British drama 'Upstairs, Downstairs'.

In 1975, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in the show.

According to Deadline, the British series ran from 1971 through 1975, encompassing 68 episodes. It was later revived in 2010 for two seasons for BBC One, tracing the family after the events of the mothership under a new king and featuring Marsh reprising her role.

Marsh's other notable credits include Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy, The Eagle Has Landed, sitcom 9 to 5, 1985's Return to Oz, Willow, and an uncredited role in Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra.

She also co-created another series, 1991's The House of Eliott, about two aspiring fashion designers in 1920s London.

According to Deadline, in 2011, the actress suffered a stroke and heart attack shortly after the Upstairs, Downstairs revival began filming. Despite her ailing health condition, the actress retained a positive outlook towards life

In 2012, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
What a legend! I grew up watching Upstairs, Downstairs with my grandmother. Jean Marsh brought such grace and depth to Rose Buck. Rest in peace 💐
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Mark T.
While I admired her work, I always felt the revival series didn't quite capture the magic of the original. That said, Marsh's performance remained stellar throughout her career. 90 is a good long life.
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Lisa P.
Oh no! 😢 I didn't realize she was in Return to Oz too - that was my favorite childhood movie. What an incredible career spanning so many genres.
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David R.
The House of Eliott was brilliant - such an underrated show. Marsh had such vision as both an actress and creator. The entertainment world has lost a true talent.
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Emma S.
Her resilience after the stroke was so inspiring. To keep working and creating despite health challenges shows what an amazing person she was, beyond just being a gifted performer.

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Tags:
Jean Marsh Upstairs, Downstairs British Television Emmy Awards Classic Drama
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