We are saddened to learn that British actress Jean Marsh has passed away. Marsh is best known for creating and starring in Upstairs, Downstairs, as the Doctor’s companion Sara Kingdom on Doctor Who, and as the villainous Mombi in Return to Oz.
In 1986, Jean Marsh appeared alongside her Upstairs, Downstairs costar Gordon Jackson in the celebrity version of “Put Down the Duckie,” donning their primmest sneers as only the British can do. Interestingly, these two were not among the other celebrities featured in the video in the accompanying season. So it’s a mystery as to if they visited the set for some other reason, or if they were asked to film this moment independently, and why.
Speaking of mysteries, some Muppet fans are aware of a special titled The Grover Monster – Jean Marsh Cartoon Special. Personally, I’m only even aware of the title. As you may have guessed, this special is famously Lost Media™. It aired on April 2, 1975, and featured Grover and Marsh presenting animated segments from Sesame Street and The Electric Company. As of this writing, and to our best knowledge, no copies of the special exist.
Despite this, Jean Marsh is a valued participant in Sesame history, and she will be remembered for her iconic appearance in “Put Down the Duckie,” as well as her ongoing Lost Media mystery.
Click here to help us remember Jean Marsh on the ToughPigs Discord!
by Joe Hennes – [email protected]
