Actress Jean Marsh, known for her role in ‘Upstairs, Downstairs,’ has passed away at the age of 90. She died on April 13 at her London home due to complications from dementia, as confirmed by director Michael Lindsay-Hogg. Marsh, who co-created the iconic British TV series in 1971, received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Rose Buck and won an Emmy award for her performance. Apart from ‘Upstairs, Downstairs,’ her career included roles in ‘Return to Oz’ and ‘Willow.’
Born in London in 1934, Marsh experienced the hardships of World War II during the Blitz, which left a lasting impact on her. Despite facing challenges from her lower-class upbringing in a rigid British class system, Marsh found success in her acting career. She was married to actor Jon Pertwee and worked alongside esteemed figures like Laurence Olivier and Alfred Hitchcock. Her collaboration with Eileen Atkins on ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing the lives of servants in a grand household.
Marsh’s portrayal of the timid and lonely Rose resonated with audiences and earned her Emmy nominations and accolades. Reflecting on her character, she revealed a disconnect between herself and Rose, emphasizing the complexities of their relationship. Throughout her career, Marsh navigated the challenges of societal expectations and class distinctions, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
“In 1982, Marsh reflected on her experience with the show, acknowledging that it may not have brought in a lot of money but provided her with significant exposure. Despite Rose’s sharp tongue, she garnered empathy and adoration from viewers. Marsh believed that once the public develops a fondness for you, it endures. She shared her perspective with The New York Times in 1974, stating that the appeal of the show extended beyond mere nostalgia for a simpler era. She emphasized the fascination with class distinctions and the allure of costume dramas, noting that Americans particularly appreciate such productions due to their touch of class and historical context.
Marsh ventured into other projects, such as the TV series ‘9 to 5’ in 1982, where she portrayed the formidable office manager Roz Keith. She expressed a preference for portraying characters with flaws rather than being entirely virtuous. Her co-star Rita Moreno commended her as bright, witty, cheeky, and delightfully salty. Marsh also appeared in films like ‘The Changeling’ in 1980 and ‘Return to Oz’ in 1985, which she found to be a dark and intriguing experience.
In ‘Willow’ in 1988, Marsh played the villainous Queen Bavmorda, relishing the opportunity to embody a malicious character. She enjoyed the fun of intimidating people in her role. Marsh continued her career with projects like ‘The House of Eliott’ and various TV series, including ‘The Ghost Hunter,’ ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ and ‘Crooked House.’ She made a triumphant return to ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ in 2010 for a revival series, earning a fourth Emmy nomination for her performance.
Recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry, Queen Elizabeth II honored Marsh with the title of Officer of the British Empire in 2012.”
