British actress and writer Jean Marsh, best known for co-creating and starring in the acclaimed television series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” has died on April 13 at age 90, her agent confirmed. Marsh passed away peacefully in bed, according to her longtime friend, film director Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg.

The London-born actress won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Rose Buck, the hard-bitten but ultimately kind-hearted parlour maid in the popular 1970s drama that explored class dynamics in Edwardian England. The role brought her international recognition and established her as a prominent figure in British television.

“She was wise and funny… very pretty and kind, and talented both as an actress and writer,” Sir Michael said in a statement. He described having almost daily phone conversations with Marsh over the past 40 years, calling her “an instinctively empathetic person who was loved by everyone who met her.”

The genesis of “Upstairs, Downstairs” came when Marsh and her friend, actress Dame Eileen Atkins, were house-sitting in France. Marsh later told the New York Times they came up with the idea of a period drama focused on the servants of a wealthy family. The pair went on to create the series alongside John Hawkesworth and John Whitney.

The ITV show became a critical and commercial success both in the United Kingdom and the United States, where it aired on PBS. The series, which told the story of the Bellamy family and their servant staff who lived underneath them, is widely credited as an inspiration for later period dramas, including “Downton Abbey.”

Beyond her iconic role in “Upstairs, Downstairs,” Marsh enjoyed a diverse and prolific career spanning several decades. She appeared in numerous films, including “Cleopatra,” “Willow,” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy.” Her television credits included roles in “Doctor Who,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Grantchester.” She also portrayed villainous characters in films like “Return to Oz” and “Willow,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Marsh reunited with Dame Eileen Atkins in 1991 to co-create another successful BBC costume drama, “The House of Eliott.” The show further cemented her reputation as a creator of compelling period television.

In 2010, Marsh reprised her role as Rose Buck when “Upstairs, Downstairs” was reimagined by the BBC. She became the only original cast member to return, portraying the same character in five episodes of the revival. The new series, while not as successful as the original, allowed a new generation of viewers to experience the character that had brought Marsh such acclaim.

Marsh came from a working-class background and was reportedly disappointed by the lack of representation of “real workers” in shows like “The Forsyte Saga.” This perspective influenced her approach to “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which deliberately gave equal focus to both the aristocratic family and the servants working in their household, creating a more balanced portrayal of Edwardian society.

Her stage career was equally impressive, with roles in productions of works by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Marsh began her performing arts career as a dancer and mime artist before transitioning to acting in repertory theatre and television. She also spent three years in America, where she appeared on Broadway and in various television shows.

Marsh was briefly married to actor Jon Pertwee, who later starred as the Third Doctor in “Doctor Who.” Following their divorce, she was romantically involved with several actors while maintaining close friendships, particularly with Dame Eileen Atkins.

In 2011, Marsh suffered a stroke and a minor heart attack, which forced her to scale back her acting commitments. She missed much of the second series of the “Upstairs, Downstairs” revival due to these health issues.

In recognition of her significant contributions to drama, Marsh was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012. The honor acknowledged her decades-long impact on British television, film, and theatre.

Marsh’s legacy lives on through her creative works, particularly “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which continues to be regarded as a landmark television series that transformed how class relations were portrayed on screen. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned seven decades and left an indelible mark on British drama.