Jean Marsh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jean Marsh OBE
Marsh in a publicity photo for 9 to 5 in 1982
Born	Jean Lyndsey Torren Marsh (1934-07-01)1 July 1934 Stoke Newington, London, England
Died	13 April 2025(2025-04-13) (aged 90) London, England
Occupation	Actress writer
Years active	1953–2016
Spouse(s)	Jon Pertwee ​ ​ (m. 1955; div. 1960)​

Jean Marsh (born July 1, 1934 – died April 13, 2025) was a talented English actress and writer. She was well-known for creating and starring in the popular TV show Upstairs, Downstairs from 1971 to 1975. For her role as Rose Buck in this series, she won an Emmy Award in 1975. She also returned to play Rose in the show's revival from 2010 to 2012.

Jean Marsh also helped create another TV series called The House of Eliott in 1991. She appeared in many movies, including Cleopatra (1963), Return to Oz (1985), and Willow (1988). Fans of Doctor Who might remember her from three different roles in the series. She was married to actor Jon Pertwee, who played the Third Doctor, from 1955 to 1960.

Early Life and Training

Jean Lyndsey Torren Marsh was born in Stoke Newington, London, England, on July 1, 1934. She grew up with her parents, Henry and Emmeline Marsh, and her sister. From a young age, Jean loved performing and studied ballet, singing, and acting.

Jean Marsh's Acting Career

Jean Marsh had a very busy career, appearing in many TV shows and films in both Britain and America. She started acting in the 1950s and 1960s.

Early TV and Film Roles

Some of her early TV appearances included an episode of The Twilight Zone in 1959, where she played a robot. She also appeared in The Moon and Sixpence (1959) and The Wonderful World of Disney (1961). She was a regular on the British TV series The Informer from 1966 to 1967.

Her Time in Doctor Who

Jean Marsh was a familiar face to Doctor Who fans.

• In 1965, she played Lady Joanna in The Crusade, alongside the First Doctor.
• Later that year, she returned as the companion Sara Kingdom in a long adventure called The Daleks' Master Plan.
• She also appeared in the 1989 TV story Battlefield as the villain Morgaine.
• She even made a small, uncredited appearance in the 2013 film An Adventure in Space and Time, which was about the creation of Doctor Who.

Creating Upstairs, Downstairs

One of Jean Marsh's biggest achievements was co-creating the famous British TV drama Upstairs, Downstairs with Eileen Atkins. The show was about the lives of a wealthy family and their servants in a large London house. Jean Marsh also starred in the series as Rose Buck, the kind and loyal housemaid. The show ran from 1971 to 1975 and became a huge international success, winning many awards. Jean Marsh herself won an Emmy Award for her acting in 1975.

Other Notable Roles

Jean Marsh appeared in many films throughout her career. She was in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller Frenzy (1972) and the adventure film The Eagle Has Landed (1976). She also played important roles in fantasy movies like Return to Oz (1985) and Willow (1988), where she played Queen Bavmorda. From 1982 to 1983, she was a regular on the American sitcom 9 to 5.

Later Career and Revival of Upstairs, Downstairs

In the 2000s, Jean Marsh continued to act. She appeared in the children's TV series The Ghost Hunter from 2000 to 2002. She also returned to the stage in plays like Boeing Boeing in 2007.

In 2010, the BBC brought back Upstairs, Downstairs for a new series. Jean Marsh was excited to play Rose Buck again. The new series was set in the same house, 165 Eaton Place, but in 1936. She appeared in the first revival series and a second one in 2012, though her appearances were fewer after she had a minor stroke.

Jean Marsh as a Writer

Besides acting, Jean Marsh was also a talented writer. She co-created The House of Eliott, another popular TV series that aired from 1991 to 1994. She also wrote several books, including Fiennders Abbey and Iris.

Marsh in 2009

Personal Life and Passing

Jean Marsh was married to actor Jon Pertwee from 1955 to 1960. She passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 90, due to complications from dementia.

Honors and Awards

In 2012, Jean Marsh was recognized for her contributions to drama. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), which is a special honor given by the British monarch.

Filmography

Television Roles

Books Written by Jean Marsh

• Jean Marsh, The House of Eliott (1993)
• Jean Marsh, Fiennders Keepers (1996)
• Jean Marsh, Iris (2000)
• Jean Marsh, Fiennders Abbey (2011)

See also

In Spanish: Jean Marsh para niños