Downton Abbey first premiered on ITV 15 years ago but was has the cast been up to since then?
The beloved ITV drama Downton Abbey has held a cherished spot in the hearts of telly enthusiasts since its debut in 2010, and it’s no surprise that viewers are clamouring for more. Set between 1912 and 1926, this British series is centred around the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, tracing the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff.
Featuring a roster of adored television actors, the programme delves into several pivotal historical events, such as the First World War, the Spanish flu pandemic, the Irish War of Independence, and the decline of the British aristocracy. Downton Abbey garnered worldwide praise, captivating audiences and critics alike, and securing numerous award nominations, including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Following its conclusion in 2015, the show’s extraordinary success led to the production of two feature films in 2019 and 2022, with a third one anticipated to grace the screens in 2025.
Given the extensive cast, it’s hardly shocking that many have gone on to achieve significant success on the telly or have emerged as rising stars in the realm of television and cinema. Below we delve into what the cast of Downton Abbey is doing now, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Hugh Bonneville – Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham
Lord Grantham, the head of the Crawley family, was profoundly dedicated to his ancestral home at Downton and was committed to preserving the estate for future generations.
Hugh’s performance in Downton Abbey was widely acclaimed, earning him two Emmy nominations and a nod from the Golden Globes.
Post-Downton, Hugh has remained a fixture on British telly, while also making waves in Hollywood with roles such as Henry Brown in the Paddington films, Muppets Most Wanted and Bank of Dave.
He recently graced our screens in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Douglas Is Cancelled and the BBC drama The Gold.
Laura Carmichael – Lady Edith Crawley
The empathetic Edith had no desire for marriage but was keen to carve out her own career in journalism. She suffered her fair share of heartbreak – being left at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan and losing her second fiancé Michael Gregson.
Beyond Downton, Laura has appeared in dramas like Marcella, The Spanish Princess and The Secrets She Keeps.
Off-screen, Laura is in a relationship with her Downton Abbey co-star Michael C. Fox, and they have a son together.
Michelle Dockery – Lady Mary Josephine Talbot
At first, 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 following the birth of their son, and later married racing driver Henry.
Since her Downton days, Michelle Dockery has taken on roles in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless, Good Behaviour and the films The Gentlemen and Here.
Michelle is currently wed to Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Dame Maggie Smith – Violet Crawley
Dame Maggie Smith had already cemented her status as acting royalty with her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and her dual Oscar wins for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite.
In her later years, she was honoured in the documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright. Her recent works include A Boy Called Christmas and The Miracle Club.
The much-loved actress sadly passed away at 89 in September last year.
Jessica Brown Findlay – Lady Sybil Crawley
Jessica was selected to play Lady Sybil Crawley, the youngest and most progressive of the Grantham daughters. She is the family’s most politically active member and strongly advocates for treating Downton’s staff as equals.
Fans will remember Sybil’s romance with the family’s chauffeur, Thomas Branson, and its tragic conclusion.
Since her Downton days, Jessica has graced our screens in a variety of TV shows including BBC One’s Jamaica Inn, The Outcast, Harlots, and Netflix’s Castlevania. She is set to star in ITVX’s drama Playing Nice and Mother Mary in the forthcoming period.
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 – 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 carved out 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 – 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. Elizabeth has also pursued her musical interests with band Sadie and the Hotheads.
Elizabeth is wed to British film director and producer Simon Curtis, who helmed the 2022 film and its yet-to-be-named sequel slated for release in 2025.
Lily James – Lady Rose Aldridge/MacClare
Audiences witnessed Lady Rose frequently at odds with others and maintaining a strained relationship with her mother. As the series unfolded, Rose matured and tied the knot with Atticus Aldridge, son of Lord and Lady Sinderby, and they have a daughter together.
Lily, who initially rose to fame during her time on Downton Abbey, later received nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her depiction of Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy. The British actress has also featured in films such as The Dig, The Iron Claw, Baby Driver, Yesterday and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Jim Carter – Charles Carson
As the butler in Downton, audiences quickly warmed to Charles’ professionalism, charisma and loyalty to the family. He was an invaluable aid to the family, particularly supporting Lady Mary through her period of mourning 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. He appeared in Transformers: The Last Knight, The Good Liar, The Sea Beast and Wonka.
Jim has also lent his voice to numerous historical documentaries about Stonehenge, the Royal family, World War II and the National Trust.
Joanne Froggatt – Anna Bates
Anna Bates, portrayed by Joanne Froggatt, was a central character in Downton Abbey, involved in some of the most emotional and gripping storylines, including love, marriage, and loss, all while serving Lady Mary Crawley and her family.
Joanne’s heartfelt performance earned her three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award.
Since leaving Downton, Joanne has voiced the character Wendy in Bob the Builder and appeared in TV shows such as Liar, Angela Black, Sherwood, and North Shore. She also reprised her role for the Downton Abbey films.
