Jean Marsh was behind dramas loved by millions
Jean Marsh was behind dramas loved by millions
News
Steve Graves Executive Editor Digital and Hannah Roberts PA Entertainment Reporter
21:42, 13 Apr 2025
Jean Marsh, the co-creator and star of Upstairs, Downstairs, has died at the age of 90. The Emmy-winning star also had a hand in creating the historical drama series, The House Of Eliott.
Her close friend, director Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg, shared through her agent: “Jean died peacefully in bed looked after by one of her very loving carers. You could say we were very close for 60 years.
“She was as wise and funny as anyone I ever met, as well as being very pretty and kind, and talented as both an actress and writer.
“She was an instinctively empathetic person who was loved by everyone who met her. We spoke on the phone almost every day for the past 40 years.”
Marsh was most recognised for her role as Rose in the ITV drama series Upstairs, Downstairs, which she co-created alongside Dame Eileen Atkins.
Her performance earned her an Emmy at the 1976 awards ceremony for outstanding lead actress in a limited series.
She also featured in other TV series such as Sense And Sensibility, Doctor Who and Hawaii Five-O.