The “Downton Abbey” cast is reflecting on their experiences with Maggie Smith, who passed away about a year ago. In a recent interview with Page 6, Kevin Doyle, Allen Leach, and Hugh Bonneville shared memories as they promote their new film, “Downton Abbey: Grand Finale.”
Doyle, who played Joseph Moresley, noted Smith’s fondness for relaxing off-camera and chatting with her co-stars. He reminisced about her delightful relationship with her on-screen granddaughter, portrayed by Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael.
“She had a lovely relationship with the girl,” Doyle shared. “It was wonderful to meet someone like her, just to relax, chat, and exchange stories.”
Leach, who plays Tom Branson, echoed Doyle’s sentiments, emphasizing Smith’s love for acting and her fellow cast members. “She truly enjoyed her work,” he recalled.
Bonneville, known for his role as Robert Crawley, cherished the moments when Smith interacted with special guest star Shirley MacLaine. He fondly remembered their discussions about old Hollywood and how he would just sit there, soaking it all in.
Smith, who died on September 27, 2024, at 89, won multiple Emmys for her role as Violet Crawley, showcasing her wit with memorable lines like, “What is a weekend?” and “Don’t be defeatist, dear. It’s very middle class.”
Her character, as fans will recall, was written out in the 2022 film “Downton Abbey: A New Era.” The franchise, which has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2010, was originally thought to last just three seasons but eventually ran for six, along with three spin-off films.
Bonneville mentioned how the entire production became a global success, a surprise given the initial skepticism around period dramas. “We were often told that costume dramas were dead, so it’s quite a surprise we were able to prove them wrong!”
Leach attributed the series’ success to creator Julian Fellowes, suggesting it stems from the underlying positivity in his writing. “He often writes from a perspective that people are essentially good, trying to navigate their lives, even when they make mistakes.”
As for future films, the cast seems skeptical about another sequel. Bonneville joked, “Kevin’s fees have grown too much!” Meanwhile, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” debuted successfully in theaters on Friday.
