By LETTICE BROMOVSKY

Published: 19:28 BST, 13 April 2025 | Updated: 19:40 BST, 13 April 2025

Beloved British actress Jean Marsh, who co-created and starred in the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, has died at the age of 90.

The Emmy-winning star passed away peacefully at her home in London on Sunday, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed. 

The cause of death was reported as complications from dementia.

Jean, known for her striking features and commanding presence, became a household name in the 1970s thanks to her unforgettable role as Rose Buck – the no-nonsense but warm-hearted head parlour maid – in the much-loved ITV series set in Edwardian England.

Upstairs, Downstairs was a groundbreaking show that captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. 

It aired in the UK from 1971 to 1975 and in the US from 1974 to 1977, drawing millions of viewers.

Beloved British actress Jean Marsh — who co-created and starred in the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs — has died at the age of 90

Beloved British actress Jean Marsh — who co-created and starred in the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs — has died at the age of 90

The Emmy-winning star passed away peacefully at her home in London on Sunday, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed

The Emmy-winning star passed away peacefully at her home in London on Sunday, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed

Marsh not only starred in the series but was also one of its creative forces, co-creating the programme that delved into the lives of the wealthy Bellamy family and their loyal domestic staff living under one roof in a posh Belgravia townhouse.

In 1975, her compelling performance as Rose earned her a prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – one of seven Emmys the show would ultimately collect, along with a coveted Peabody Award.

In a glowing New York Times review from 1974, television critic John J. O’Connor called the show ‘a charmingly seductive concoction’ and lauded Marsh’s portrayal of Rose as ‘the perfection of a young Mildred Dunnock.’

She also appeared several times in the BBC’s Doctor Who,for the first time in 1965 alongside William Hartnell and then most recently in 2008. 

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Jean Marsh dead aged 90: Actress who co-created hit show Upstairs, Downstairs dies at home after ‘complications of dementia’

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