1 week Ago By Mike Taylor
The ITV drama Downton Abbey has been a firm favourite among television enthusiasts since its premiere in 2010, and it's no surprise that viewers are clamouring for more. Set between 1912 and 1926, the British series revolves around the fictional Yorkshire country estate of the same name, focusing on the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff. Featuring a cast of cherished TV actors, the series delves into numerous pivotal historical events, including the First World War, the Spanish influenza pandemic, the Irish War of Independence, and the decline of the British aristocracy.
Downton Abbey garnered international popularity, earning praise from audiences and critics alike, and receiving a slew of award nominations, including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards. Since concluding in 2015, its immense success has led to two feature films in 2019 and 2022, with a third slated for release in 2025. Given its vast ensemble cast, it's hardly surprising that many have gone on to enjoy considerable TV success or emerge as rising stars in television and film.
Let's take a look at where the cast of Downton Abbey is now. Hugh Bonneville portrayed Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham. Lord Grantham, was the head of the Crawley family, deeply attached to his family's home at Downton and committed to preserving the estate for future generations.
Bonneville's performance in Downton Abbey was widely adored, earning him two Emmy nominations and a nod from the Golden Globes. Since his Downton days, Bonneville has remained a fixture on British TV, but also made waves in Hollywood as Henry Brown in the Paddington film series, Muppets Most Wanted and Bank of Dave. He recently featured in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Douglas Is Cancelled and BBC drama The Gold.
Laura Carmichael portrayed Lady Edith Crawley. The kind-hearted Edith had no desire to marry but was keen to carve out her own career in journalism. She experienced her fair share of heartbreak - being left at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan and losing her second fiance Michael Gregson to the Nazis.
Post-Downton, Laura Carmichael returned to films where her character had two children and ran a publishing business. Beyond Downton, Laura has starred in dramas such as Marcella, The Spanish Princess and The Secrets She Keeps. Off-screen, Carmichael is romantically involved with her Downton Abbey co-star Michael C.
Fox, with whom she shares a son. Michelle Dockery played Lady Mary Josephine Talbot. Initially, Lady Mary was a petulant and frosty young woman, but as the series unfolded, she displayed more vulnerability and kindness.
Tragically, she lost her husband Matthew after the birth of their son, and later married racing driver Henry. Post-Downton, Dockery has featured in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless, Good Behaviour and the films The Gentlemen and Here. Dockery is currently wedded to Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Dame Maggie Smith portrayed Violet Crawley. The Dowager Countess of Grantham, known for her sharp wit despite her age, was a significant figure in Downton Abbey, appearing regularly until the second film. Dame Maggie Smith was already acting royalty due to her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and her two Oscar wins for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite.
In her later years, she was celebrated in the documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright. She also featured in A Boy Called Christmas and The Miracle Club. The much-loved actress passed away at the age of 89 in September this year.
Jessica Brown Findlay played Lady Sybil Crawley. Brown Findlay was cast as Lady Sybil Crawley, the youngest and most progressive of the Grantham daughters. She is the most politically active family member and insists on treating Downton's staff as equals.
Fans will remember Sybil's relationship with the family's chauffeur, Thomas Branson, and its heartbreaking conclusion. Since leaving the show, Jessica has appeared in various TV shows including BBC One drama Jamaica Inn, The Outcast, Harlots, and Netflix 's Castlevania. She is set to appear in ITVX drama Playing Nice and Mother Mary in the near future.
Her other roles include Elizabeth in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Linder Sterling in England Is Mine and Munich: The Edge of War. Dan Stevens played Matthew Reginald Crawley. Matthew Reginald Crawley, a middle-class distant relative of the Crawleys, became the heir to the estate in the first episode and subsequently moved to Downton.
He was paralysed from the waist down during the First World War but recovered and married Lady Mary. Tragically, he died in a car accident while driving home from the hospital. He left his share of Downton to Mary.
Dan has since built a successful career in film and TV, with roles in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, FX series Legion, animated series Solar Opposites and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Elizabeth McGovern portrayed Cora Crawley. Known as the Countess of Grantham, she was the wealthy American heiress who helped save Downton.
Compassionate Cora opened up Downton to soldiers during the First World War and served on the hospital board. The American actress reprised her role for the Downton Abbey films and also appeared in the film The Chaperone. McGovern has also pursued her musical interests with band Sadie and the Hotheads.
McGovern is married to British film director and producer Simon Curtis, who directed the 2022 film and its untitled sequel set for release in 2025. Lily James played Lady Rose Aldridge/MacClare. Viewers saw Lady Rose frequently clashing with others and having a tense relationship with her mother.
As the series progressed, Rose matured and married Atticus Aldridge, son of Lord and Lady Sinderby, and they have a daughter together. Lily James, who was a rising star during her time on Downton Abbey, later received nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy. The English actress has also graced the screen in The Dig, The Iron Claw, Baby Driver, Yesterday and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
James is currently romantically involved with Queens of the Stone Age bassist and songwriter Michael Shuman. Jim Carter played Charles Carson. As Downton's butler, audiences quickly warmed to Charles' professionalism, charm and dedication to the family.
He provided invaluable support to the family, notably helping Lady Mary navigate her grief over Matthew. The seasoned actor, known for his stage and TV roles before joining Downton Abbey, saw his career continue to flourish after the series concluded. He featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, The Good Liar, The Sea Beast and Wonka.
Carter has also lent his voice to numerous historical documentaries about Stonehenge, the Royal family, World War II and the National Trust. Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates. Anna Bates was central to some of the show's most emotional, thrilling and heartfelt storylines, which encompassed love, marriage, and loss - all while attending to Lady Mary Crawley and the rest of the family.
Joanne Froggatt's empathetic performance earned her three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award. Since her stint in Downton, Froggatt lent her voice to the character Wendy in Bob the Builder and made appearances in TV shows such as Liar, Angela Black, Sherwood, and North Shore. She also reprised her role in the Downton Abbey films.
Brendan Coyle portrayed John Bates. John Bates was an army veteran who arrived at Downton Abbey as Robert Crawley's valet. He became the eyes, ears, and heart of the household.
Despite attempts by some colleagues to oust him from his position, Bates earned the respect of nearly everyone in the house. Recognised with an Emmy nomination for his performance, Brendan Coyle has since returned for the Downton Abbey films. He has also featured in Murdoch Mysteries, 12 Monkeys, Requiem, and Finders Keepers.
Phyllis Logan played Mrs. Hughes. Downton's head housekeeper ran a tight ship but was also kind-hearted and caring towards her staff, often dispensing wisdom.
The Scottish actress has since appeared in Shetland, the Downton Abbey films, Doctor Who, Intergalactic, and the new series Lockerbie. Downton Abbey is available to watch on ITVX and Netflix ..
