Why did Jean Marsh leave Upstairs Downstairs? Health struggles explored as Emmy award winning star dies at 90

Jean Marsh, 90, passed away on Sunday, April 13, from complications of dementia. The veteran actress-writer’s friend and director, Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed the news to The New York Times.

Well-known as the co-creator of the '70s drama series Upstairs, Downstairs, the Emmy award-winning actress also played the role of Rose Buck in the series and its revival, Upstairs Downstairs.

She appeared in three episodes of the first series (2010) but had to step away after suffering a minor stroke. Marsh issued a statement via BBC in 2011 to announce her absence,

“Unfortunately I won’t be returning to Eaton Place quite as quickly as I had hoped. I am looking forward to spending time with Rose again when I’m match-fit, and I miss the cast and crew tremendously.”

Marsh only appeared in two episodes of the second series. The Willow actress later reflected upon her health struggles in a 2013 interview with MailOnline. She told the outlet,

“It’s odd because the day it happened, I said: ‘I’m not ill,’ and I fought. It was amazing. I had had a stroke and a heart attack but I knew I’d be all right. I think it’s because I’m an actress. If you didn’t know me and you sat down and we had a chat, you would have no idea how old I was, or know that I’d been ill, would you?”

Jean Marsh spent three weeks at the hospital after suffering from a stroke and a heart attack

During her conversation with MailOnline, the actress recounted her path to recovery. Marsh revealed how she spent three weeks at the hospital and was advised to work only “four hours a day.”

“I was absolutely determined [to get back]. Three weeks after the first episode I had a stroke and a heart attack and in three weeks I'd thrown myself out of the hospital. I said I will be alright and the main doctor said, 'All right, you can work again. But you can only work four hours a day'. And I said, 'Terrific!’”

Heidi Thomas, creator of the revival series, also spoke to the tabloid about Jean’s absence and recalled it as an “emotional experience for all [Upstairs Downstairs team].” She added,

“[They] just adore Jean, I remember saying to Anne Reid [Mrs Thackeray], 'Rose cannot leave because it would be like the ravens leaving the tower, she's so integral to 165'."

The co-creator of the original TV series returned for the final two episodes of Upstairs Downstairs. Following her health struggles, the veteran actress partially stopped working on projects. Her last appearance was through archival footage in 2022’s Willow series (sequel to the 1988 film).

Tributes pour in after Jean Marsh passed away at 90

The Doctor Who actress portrayed many memorable roles throughout her decades-long career. Her work influenced different generations, as many paid tribute to the late Willow star.

“RIP Jean Marsh - what a BRILLIANT career! From the 50s Twilight Zone to Doctor Who, Upstairs Downstairs, Return to Oz, Willow - bravo!,” a user highlighted the career of the late actress.

“RIP Jean Marsh / Her portrayal of Princess Mombi in Return to Oz (wonderfully) traumatized my entire generation,” another user remembered the actress.

“Shame to hear about the great Jean Marsh, thank you for scaring me every time I watch Return to Oz ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” someone shared a similar opinion.

“rewatching Willow to honor Jean Marsh and Val Kilmer. This movie has sooo much heart,” another one wrote.

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The news of Marsh’s death came out days after the demise of her Willow co-star, Val Kilmer. The Batman Forever star passed away on April 1 due to pneumonia.

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