Tributes pour in for late Upstairs, Downstairs and Doctor Who star Jean Marsh

Jean Marsh, the beloved star of the iconic British drama Upstairs, Downstairs, has sadly passed away at the age of 90, prompting an outpouring of tributes and heartfelt condolences from fans around the world.

Marsh’s passing was confirmed by her friend and director Michael Lindsay-Hogg in a statement on Sunday, April 13.

“Jean died peacefully in bed looked after by one of her very loving carers,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Born July 1, 1934, Marsh’s interest in performing began after taking dance and mime classes as therapy for an illness before soon acting on stage, with a stint at Huddersfield Rep in the 1950s.

At just 12 years of age, Marsh made her West End debut in The Land Of The Christmas Stockings at The Duke of York’s Theatre.

Television soon followed with early appearances on classic television shows such as The Twilight Zone and Danger Man.

She also appeared in Doctor Who, most notably as William Hartnell’s short-lived companion Sara Kingdom.

However, it was her role as Rose Buck—the pragmatic head house parlourmaid—in Upstairs, Downstairs (which she co-created with Eileen Atkins) that cemented her status as a beloved screen icon. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy Award in 1976 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

Marsh also found success on the silver screen with roles in the fantasy adventure film Willow (1988), thriller Frenzy (1972), and war movie The Eagle Has Landed (1976).

As fans learnt of Marsh’s passing many took to social media to offer their condolences and reflect on her stellar career.

Everyone at Big Finish is very sad to learn that the wonderful Jean Marsh has passed away. Our sincere condolences go out to all who knew and loved her. RIP. pic.twitter.com/FM3s4Mht8Y

— Big Finish Insider (@bigfinish) April 13, 2025

So sad to hear that Jean Marsh has died. For many of us,she will always be remembered as Rose in Upstairs, Downstairs,the classic TV series she created with her friend Eileen Atkins. Her unforgettable performance won her the Best Actress Emmy award in the U.S. in 1975. RIP Jean. pic.twitter.com/OrLMDu73VN

— 70sFan (@70sStreetFan) April 13, 2025

Sad to learn of the passing of the incomparable Jean Marsh, aged 90 ❤️

Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/cYT0Oiq51J

— Friends Of Ace ✨🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@friendoface) April 13, 2025

I always loved Jean Marsh.
It still blows my mind a little that she was in one of the very first episodes of ‘The Twilight Zone’.
She was absolutely wonderful. pic.twitter.com/tWYsOtNrh0

— James O’Neill (@QuietOldJim) April 13, 2025

Oh no, I’ve just read the very sad news that Jean Marsh has died. She was a truly wonderful actress.

She’ll always be Rose Buck to me, and along with Eileen Atkins, created one of the best shows ever made – Upstairs, Downstairs.

RIP Jean, and thank you. pic.twitter.com/wwZcGLXk5Z

— Lewis (@lewispringle) April 13, 2025

Sad news to hear actress and writer Jean Marsh has died aged 90. From The Saint and Willow made @ElstreeStudios to #DoctorWho – she was married to Jon Pertwee for five years – and iconic Upstairs Downstairs which she co-created and starred in she truly was a Queen of our screens. pic.twitter.com/HumvwOPV75

— Morris Bright MBE (@MorrisBrightMBE) April 13, 2025

Marsh was married to Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee for five years before their divorce in 1960. She also had relationships with actors Kenneth Haigh, Albert Finney and Lindsay-Hogg.

-with PA.