Jean Marsh has died at the age of 90. Born on August 17, 2025 in London, Marsh is known for appearing in 15Doctor Whoepisodes across seasons 2, 3, and 26, where she played the roles of Joanna, Sara Kingdom, and Morgaine. Sheplayed the villainous sorceress Queen Bavmordain the 1988 Ron Howard-directed Lucasfilm movieWillow. Marshis also known for co-creating and starring in the British drama seriesUpstairs, Downstairs, which aired for five seasons and 68 episodes from 1971-1975.
Filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, who was a close friend of Marsh, confirmed withThe New York Timesthat she passed away from complications of dementia. The renowned actorwas still living in London, and passed away at her home on Sunday, April 13.
Jean Marsh’s Legacy Explained
She Performed In A Wide Range Of Genres
Marsh began taking ballet classes at 7 years old, which led to her developing her acting and singing skills in theater school. At 18 years old, shehad her first onscreen role in the 1952 British television movieThe Infinite Shoeblackand her first feature film appearance was in 1953’s mystery thrillerThe Limping Man. In 1959, she went to the United States, where she starred in a Broadway production of William Shakespeare’s comedic playMuch Ado About Nothingand played the role of Alicia inThe Twilight Zoneepisode"The Lonely."
HerDoctor Whodebut came in 1971, with her roles in seasons 2 and 3 helping to shape the early iterations of the science-fiction show. In addition to appearing in seasons 2, 3, and 26,Marsh reprised the role of Sara Kingdom in numerousDoctor Whoaudio storiesand served as a frequent narrator. Along withDoctor Who, Marsh’s legacy is strongly intertwined withUpstairs, Downstairs, where she played parlourmaid Rose Buck. She also made a strong impression as a secretary in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1972 movieFrenzyand as the sinister Queen Bavmorda inWillow.
Our Take On Jean Marsh’s Legacy
Her Queen Bavmorda Performance Is Iconic
Between her roles in early and more recentDoctor Whostories,The Twilight Zone,Upstairs, Downstairs,Frenzy, andWillow, Marsh’s impressive range speaks for itself. Whether the genre was science fiction, fantasy, a period drama, or a thriller, she always excelled at the characters she played. When I think of Marsh, the first role that comes to mind is Queen Bavmorda, specifically the scene where she cries,“You’re all pigs!“and transforms an entire army of men into pigs. She played one of the most memorable villains of my childhood andleaves behind a rich legacy in film and television.
