The End of Downton Abbey: A New EraIt is bittersweet, as the Crawleys have said farewell to their Dowager Countess. Played by Dame Maggie Smith since the beginning of writer/creator Julian Fellowes’ iconic franchise, the character’s passing was Rumours of a large number of people circulating during this time are rampant A New Era’sProductionIt was a bittersweet ending that saw the two of them finally agree. All of the stories are now available, including one that Hugh Bonneville shared with Maggie about his sendoff after she shot her last scene.
Talking with THR, the actor known for playing Maggie Smith’s on-screen son, Robert Crawley, admitted to three separate days of celebration on the Downton Abbey 2 set. Potentially the most important, and certainly the sweetest, came after Maggie Smith filmed Violet Crawley’s death for the film’s third act. Hugh Bonneville shared his adorable memories of that moment in this touching recollection.
It was three sets of Champagne, I believe. We went to her dressing room for a glass after Maggie’s final scene. And I was able to reflect on the fact she’d been my mum, on and off, for 12 years, and that was quite remarkable, especially to have a legendary actress like that involved in our show.
It’s almost hard to believe that this September will mark the 12th anniversary of Downton Abbey first hitting ITV’s airwaves, introducing the world to a runaway hit that still endures to this day. With Peacock Premium subscribers currently able to enjoy the full berth of Julian Fellowes’ societal drama franchise, that journey will certainly feel like a much shorter trip. Of course, the journey came with a series Opinions on when Violet Crawley should be deadIn the grand scheme.
Naturally, Fellowes was involved in his own wayWhen it came to when a character would take their final bow, there was both madness and good fortune. Ultimately, after setting up Violet’s terminal illness at the end of 2019’s Downton Abbey: The Motion PictureThe creator knew it was finally the day we all had hoped for.
Of course, this TV and movie history might not have been possible if it weren’t for Dame Maggie Smith herself. Promoting Downton Abbey: A New Era, Julian Fellowes admitted Smith’s casting was keyIt is a team effort. Smith, a highly respected actor on stage and screen was an excellent choice for the position of Dowager Countess. But as you’ll see in Hugh Bonneville’s further reflections, even he wasn’t sure that Maggie Smith would say yes:
I can still remember the moment I was offered this show by Gareth Neame (executive producer). It was before any cast members were available. “who are you talking to for the mother,”He said Maggie Smith and I replied, “well, good luck with that, because that’s not going to happen.”The rest is history.
Indeed, Dame Maggie Smith’s part of Downton AbbeyHistory is the ingredient that brings everything together beautifully. Violet Crawley is a sharp, acid-tongued woman who holds to her code. She can both make you laugh or melt your heart. The character’s wit and wisdom will be missed, but as Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary Talbot takes over the reins of the Downton estate, we will see exactly what she’s learned from her beloved grandmother.
Rest assured, no matter what happens, Hugh Bonneville’s Robert has already been shown to be immensely proud of his daughter. As much as you can see when you watch Downton Abbey: A New EraYou can stream the video at the moment on the Peacock Premium library.