Jean Marsh, Upstairs Downstairs legend and Doctor Who star, dies aged 90

She possessed a unique blend of wisdom, humor, beauty, kindness, and talent – both as an actress and a writer. Her compassionate nature endeared her to everyone she encountered, creating an unbreakable bond that spanned over four decades, with us conversing nearly every day on the phone.

Marsh began her acting career in the mid-20th century, making appearances on television shows from the 1950s and ’60s. Her early work includes roles in series like “The Saint” and “The Informer.” Later, she became a prominent figure in popular shows such as “9 to 5” and “The House of Eliott,” which she also co-created.

Over time, she made an appearance in three different characters within the series Doctor Who. Initially, she portrayed Joan of England in the First Doctor’s tale titled “The Crusade.” Afterward, she resurfaced as Sara Kingdom in the serial “The Daleks’ Master Plan.” Lastly, she took on the role of Morgaine in the Seventh Doctor’s story entitled “Battlefield.”

Throughout her career, she acted out three distinct characters within Doctor Who. First up was Joan of England in the First Doctor’s narrative called “The Crusade,” followed by a reappearance as Sara Kingdom in the serial “The Daleks’ Master Plan.” And finally, she assumed the part of Morgaine in the Seventh Doctor’s story “Battlefield.

Apart from these, she starred in movies such as Cleopatra, Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, and Willow. In the latter film, she portrayed Queen Bavmorda – a character that was revisited through archival footage in the 2022 sequel series of Willow, which served as her last on-screen performance.

Marsh might be most recognized for jointly creating the period drama “Upstairs, Downstairs” with Eileen Atkins. In addition, she acted in the series, portraying parlormaid Rose Buck throughout all seasons of the program from 1971 to 1975.

In 1971, she was honored with a Royal Television Society award, and in 1975, she received an Emmy Award for Exceptional Lead Actress performance in her TV series.

Among the cast members returning for the BBC’s revival of “Upstairs, Downstairs,” Marsh was the sole original actor who had been part of the ITV series and resumed her character’s role.

After suffering a stroke in 2011, Marsh had to reduce her acting obligations, yet she managed to make an appearance in a 2014 episode of Grantchester.

She was married to Doctor Who’s Third Doctor star Jon Pertwee between 1955 and 1960.

She was also made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama in 2012.

People have been expressing their condolences for actress and writer Jean Marsh on social media, with one person saying in a post: “It’s heartbreaking to learn that the talented Jean Marsh has died.

Admired her acting skills across numerous stage, movie, and television parts, including The Twilight Zone, Danger Man, The Saint, Gideon’s Way, Upstairs, Downstairs, and consistently captivating in theater performances.