From Maggie Smith’s legendary legacy to Dan Stevens’ Hollywood triumphs, each cast members journey is a testament to their versatility and dedication.
Step back in time to the early-20th Century, where the captivating world of Downton Abbey unfolded, intertwining the lives of aristocrats and servants in a gripping tale of love, drama, and societal change. For six glorious seasons, viewers were enchanted by the lives of the Crawley family and their devoted staff, relishing the masterful performances of the show’s talented cast. As the final episode aired, bidding farewell to the grand estate and its unforgettable characters, fans were left with lingering affection for the actors and actresses who brought the beloved characters to life.
But what happened to the original cast members after their time at Downton? We know many of them returned for the two continuation films, Downton Abbey: The Movie and Downton Abbey: A New Era. Today, we embark on a journey to discover the exciting paths they have taken since the show’s conclusion. From prestigious film roles to compelling television projects, their post-Downton careers are a testament to their enduring talent and the lasting impact of Downton Abbey on the world of entertainment.
Hugh Bonneville
Since portraying the benevolent and traditional Earl of Grantham, Hugh Bonneville has maintained a prolific acting career. His remarkable talent led him to excel in both period dramas and contemporary comedies. Bonneville graced the silver screen with roles in Viceroy’s House and To Olivia. On the small screen, he showcased his comedic prowess in the satirical series W1A and charmed audiences as Mr. Brown in Paddington 2.
Michelle Dockery
Michelle Dockery, who brought the enigmatic Lady Mary Crawley to life, proved her versatility as an actress beyond Downton Abbey. Dockery transitioned seamlessly into the thrilling world of Good Behavior, captivating audiences with her portrayal of a con artist. Her talent continued to shine in the acclaimed Netflix series Godless, as well as in the television series, Defending Jacob and Anatomy of a Scandal, earning her further accolades. Additionally, Dockery lent her voice to animated characters, notably as Lady Olivia in the series Amphibia.
Dame Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie Smith, the indomitable Dowager Countess, remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of the witty and sharp-tongued Violet Crawley left an indelible mark on viewers. Beyond her role in Downton Abbey, Smith’s illustrious career continued to flourish with her iconic portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. She also had roles in the films My Old Lady and A Boy Called Christmas, as well as lending her voice to the animated film Sherlock Gnomes, as Lady Blueberry. Smith’s exceptional talent has garnered her widespread admiration and numerous awards.
Laura Carmichael
Laura Carmichael, who portrayed the complex and oft-overlooked Lady Edith, skillfully embraced a range of projects post-Downton Abbey. She graced television screens with her presence in notable series like Marcella and The Spanish Princess, displaying her versatility as an actress. Carmichael’s dedication to her craft and ability to portray multifaceted characters earned her praise from both critics and audiences.
Jim Carter
Sir Jim Carter‘s portrayal of the dignified and loyal butler, Mr. Carson, endeared him to Downton Abbey fans. One of his notable post-Downton ventures was lending his rich and captivating voice to animated characters. He breathed life into the endearing character of the title role in The Little Vampire (2018), enchanting younger viewers with his warm and reassuring tone.
As if that weren’t enough, Carter explored his acting prowess in thrilling dramas, proving his versatility beyond the world of period pieces. His portrayal of complex characters in gripping series, such as The Good Karma Hospital, showcased his ability to immerse himself in diverse roles and resonate with modern audiences.
Elizabeth McGovern
Following her role as the gracious and elegant Countess of Grantham, Elizabeth McGovern remained actively engaged in the entertainment industry. She took on significant roles in both television and film. McGovern’s captivating performance in The Chaperone showcased her acting prowess, while her role in The Commuter demonstrated her ability to embrace varied genres.
Joanne Froggatt
Joanne Froggatt‘s portrayal of the devoted and resilient Anna Bates earned her widespread recognition and admiration. Post-Downton Abbey, Froggatt continued to impress audiences with her acting talent in various television projects. Notably, her riveting performance in Liar showcased her ability to tackle complex and emotionally charged roles. Froggatt’s dedication to her craft has solidified her position as a respected actress.
Brendan Coyle
As the honorable valet John Bates, Brendan Coyle left a lasting impact on Downton Abbey viewers. Post-show, he showcased his acting range in diverse television series. Requiem and Spotless allowed Coyle to further demonstrate his talent and versatility, winning him praise from critics and viewers alike. Coyle also recently starred in the television series Riches as Gideon Havelock, earning him even more acclaim for his interesting performance.
Dame Penelope Wilton
Dame Penelope Wilton‘s portrayal of the compassionate and independent-minded Isobel Crawley garnered her widespread acclaim. Following her time on Downton Abbey, Wilton continued to shine in both film and theater. Her roles in The BFG as The Queen, and in Doctor Who, where she portrayed the legendary Harriet Jones, showcased her ability to immerse herself in diverse characters, while her stage performances like Helena Ekdahl in Fanny and Alexander, earned her accolades from theater enthusiasts.
Dan Stevens
Though Matthew Crawley’s untimely departure from Downton Abbey left fans mourning, Dan Stevens moved on to achieve considerable success in Hollywood. He took on lead roles in high-profile projects like the live action Beauty and the Beast, where he captivated audiences as the Beast, a role he would be open to reprising. Stevens also delved into television, notably starring in the critically acclaimed series Legion and the heartwarming holiday film The Man Who Invented Christmas.
Phyllis Logan
Phyllis Logan‘s portrayal of the steadfast and caring housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes, left an enduring impression on Downton Abbey fans. Post-show, Logan continued to impress with her acting talents in various television series. Her roles in Girlfriends and Truth Seekers demonstrated her ability to embrace different genres while captivating audiences with her performances.
Sophie McShera
Sophie McShera‘s portrayal of the ambitious kitchen maid, Daisy, earned her recognition for her touching and authentic performance. Post-Downton, McShera delved into a variety of projects. Her role in the live-action adaptation of Cinderella allowed her to showcase her acting range on the big screen. Additionally, her voice talents graced animated series such as The War of the Worlds, where she continued to impress with her versatility.
