Jean Marsh, a celebrated English actress whose career spanned decades and captivated audiences worldwide, has passed away at the age of 90. Her agent, Lesley Duff, confirmed the news, stating it was “my pleasure to represent Jean for many years and she will be greatly missed.” The cause of death was complications from dementia.
Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, a close friend of Marsh’s for sixty years, shared a poignant tribute: “Jean died peacefully in bed looked after by one of her very loving carers.” He remembered her as “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.” He noted their daily phone calls over the past four decades.
Marsh launched her acting career in the 1950s, quickly establishing herself in both British and American television. Early credits included a memorable appearance on “The Twilight Zone” in an episode titled “The Lonely” (1959). She also graced the screen alongside luminaries like Laurence Olivier in “Moon and Sixpence” and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in “Cleopatra.”
While her extensive body of work may be less familiar to younger viewers, many will recognize her iconic portrayals of the formidable Queen Bavmorda in 1988’s “Willow,” alongside Val Kilmer, and the unsettling witch Mombi in “Return to Oz.”
Her contributions to television were especially significant. Marsh was a co-creator of the beloved ITV series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which explored the lives of the wealthy Bellamy family and their domestic staff. She brilliantly embodied Rose Buck, earning four Emmy nominations – one of which she won in 1975 for outstanding lead actress in a drama series.
“Upstairs, Downstairs” enjoyed a successful run from 1971 to 1975 and was later revived in 2010, with Marsh returning to reprise her role as Rose Buck.
Marsh’s dedication to the dramatic arts was formally recognized in 2012 when she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama.
- Early roles included appearances in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy,” “Dark Places,” and “The Changeling.”
- She also had television credits on shows like “The Saint,” “I Spy” and a notable appearance in “Doctor Who.”
Beyond her film and television work, Marsh was a vibrant presence on the London West End stage and penned five novels.
Her final onscreen performance came in the Disney+ revival of “Willow,” where she once again portrayed Queen Bavmorda, demonstrating her enduring talent and captivating screen presence.
Born on July 1, 1934, in Stoke Newington, London, Marsh had a life filled with both professional triumphs and personal relationships. She was briefly married to “Doctor Who” star Jon Pertwee and maintained relationships with actors Albert Finney, Kennieth Haigh, and Michael Lindsay-Hogg.
Reflecting on her romantic history in 2010, she remarked to The Telegraph: “I have had partners who I have thought about marrying and who have thought about marrying me. The problem was that we never thought it at the same time.” She added with a touch of humor, “I should have taken the advice of my mother, who told me 50 years ago that I should marry and settle down.”
