Born in London, Jean Marsh's fascination with the world of showbusiness was sparked during her childhood, when she attended dancing and mime classes as therapy for her illness. As she grew older, she continued to nurture her interest in the performing arts, attending a charm school and honing her skills as a model. Her early forays into acting took the form of repertory work, supplemented by voice lessons and a series of film appearances as a dancer.
Marsh's experience in repertory theatre was extensive, and she soon found herself making appearances in a number of films, showcasing her skills as a dancer. She then spent three years in America, where she had the opportunity to work with renowned director Sir John Gielgud in the Broadway production of "Much Ado About Nothing". Her time in America also saw her appear in a number of television shows, including an episode of the classic series "The Twilight Zone", which premiered in 1959.
Returning to London, Marsh's career continued to flourish, with roles on stage, screen, and television. It was during this period that she made her mark on the world of science fiction, appearing in the iconic series "Doctor Who". Her first appearance in the show was as Princess Joanna in the serial "The Crusade", followed by a memorable turn as Sara Kingdom in "The Daleks' Master Plan".
The early 1970s saw Marsh co-create and star in the highly acclaimed series "Upstairs, Downstairs", which was produced by London Weekend Television. Since then, she has maintained a busy career, appearing in a wide range of projects, including the US sitcom "Nine to Five" and films such as "Return to Oz" and "Willow". In addition to her work in film and television, Marsh has also co-created another successful series, "The House of Eliott", which premiered in 1991.
