The ITV drama Downton Abbey has been a firm favourite among television enthusiasts since its premiere in 2010, leaving fans yearning for more.
Set between 1912 and 1926, the British TV series Downton Abbey 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 touched upon several significant historical events such as the First World War, the Spanish influenza pandemic, the Irish War of Independence, and the decline of British aristocracy.
Downton Abbey enjoyed international popularity, earning praise from audiences and critics alike, and garnering numerous award nominations including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards. Since its conclusion in 2015, the show’s immense popularity has led to the creation of two feature films in 2019 and 2022, with a third slated for release in 2025.
Given its success, it’s no surprise that many of its extensive cast have gone on to enjoy respectable careers in television or emerged as rising stars in TV and film. Let’s take a look at where the cast of Downton Abbey are now, reports the Mirror.
Hugh Bonneville – Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham
Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham, was the head of the Crawley family who cherished his family’s home at Downton and sought to preserve the home and grounds for future generations.
Bonneville’s performance in Downton Abbey was widely appreciated, earning him two Emmy nominations and a nod from the Golden Globes.
Since his time on Downton, Bonneville has remained a fixture on British TV while also making waves in Hollywood with roles such 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 the BBC drama The Gold.
Laura Carmichael – Lady Edith Crawley
The kind-hearted Edith had no desire to marry but was keen on forging a career in journalism and creating her own life. 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 feature films where her character had two children and ran a publishing business. She has since appeared in dramas like Marcella, The Spanish Princess and The Secrets She Keeps.
Away from the screen, Carmichael is in a relationship with her Downton Abbey co-star Michael C. Fox, with whom she shares a son.
Michelle Dockery – Lady Mary Josephine Talbot
Initially, Lady Mary was seen as a petulant and cold young woman, but as the series unfolded, she displayed more vulnerability and kindness. Tragically, she lost her husband Matthew shortly after the birth of their son and later married racing driver Henry.
Dockery has since starred in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless, Good Behaviour and the films The Gentlemen and Here.
She is currently married to Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Dame Maggie Smith – Violet Crawley
The Dowager Countess of Grantham, known for her sharp wit despite her age, was a significant character in Downton Abbey until the second film.
Dame Maggie Smith, already acting royalty due to her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and her two Oscar wins for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite, further cemented her status.
In her later years, she featured in the documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, and Joan Plowright. She also appeared in A Boy Called Christmas and The Miracle Club.
The esteemed actress passed away at the age of 89 in September this year.
Jessica Brown Findlay – Lady Sybil Crawley
Brown Findlay was cast as Lady Sybil Crawley, the youngest and most progressive of the Grantham daughters. Known for her political fervour, she insisted on treating the Downton staff as equals.
Audiences will remember Sybil’s relationship with the family’s chauffeur, Thomas Branson, and its heartbreaking conclusion.
Since leaving the show, Jessica has featured in various TV shows including BBC One’s Jamaica Inn, The Outcast, Harlots, and Netflix’s Castlevania. She is set to appear in ITVX’s Playing Nice and Mother Mary soon.
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 cousin 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, leaving Mary to inherit Matthew’s share of Downton.
Dan has since pursued a career in film and TV, featuring 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
The Countess of Grantham was the wealthy American heiress who played a crucial role in saving 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 starred in the film The Chaperone. McGovern has also explored her musical side 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 – 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.
At the time of Downton Abbey, Lily James was a rising star and later received nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy. The English actress has also featured in The Dig, The Iron Claw, Baby Driver, Yesterday and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
James is currently dating Queens of the Stone Age bassist and songwriter Michael Shuman.
Jim Carter – Charles Carson
As the butler at Downton, audiences quickly warmed to Charles’ professionalism, charm and dedication to the family. He was a pillar of support to the family, notably helping Lady Mary cope with her grief over Matthew.
The veteran actor, known for his stage and TV roles before joining Downton Abbey, saw his career take off after the show ended. He starred 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 – Anna Bates
Anna Bates was involved in some of the show’s most emotional, exciting and heartfelt storylines, which encompassed the pursuit of 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 Wendy in Bob the Builder and featured in TV shows such as Liar, Angela Black, Sherwood, and North Shore. She also reprised her role in the Downton Abbey films.
Brendan Coyle – John Bates
The former soldier joined Downton Abbey as Robert Crawley’s valet, serving as the eyes, ears, and heart of the household. Despite attempts by some colleagues to oust him, Bates earned the respect of nearly everyone in the house.
Emmy-nominated Brendan Coyle has since returned for the Downton Abbey films. He has also starred in Murdoch Mysteries, 12 Monkeys, Requiem, and Finders Keepers.
Phyllis Logan – Mrs. Hughes
As the head housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes ran a tight ship with high standards. However, she was also kind-hearted and caring towards her staff, who often sought her 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 stream on ITVX and Netflix.