ITV Downton Abbey cast now from Hollywood success to co-star relationship

ITV drama Downton Abbey has been a hit among TV fans ever since its debut in 2010 and it's no wonder fans have been craving for more.

The British television series Downton Abbey centred on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926 and the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants.

Starring beloved TV actors, the series covered many significant historical events including the First World War, the Spanish influenza pandemic, the Irish War of Independence and the decline of British aristocracy.

Downton Abbey was popular overseas with acclaim from viewers, TV critics and received numerous award nominations including a Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards. Since its ending in 2015, its huge popularity has sparked two feature films in 2019 and 2022, with a third to be released in 2025.

It's no wonder its large cast has gone on to achieve respectable TV success or become rising stars in TV and film. Here we look at the cast of Downton Abbey and where they are now.

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Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley Lord Grantham

Robert Crawley Lord Grantham was the patriarch of the Crawley family who loved his family's home at Downton and preserve the home and grounds for the future.

Bonneville was beloved in Downton Abbey and the role would net him two Emmy nominations and one nod from the Golden Globes.

Since Downton, Bonneville has continued to work on British TV but he also hit Hollywood as Henry Brown in the Paddington film series, Muppets Most Wanted and Bank of Dave.

Recently he appeared in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Douglas Is Cancelled and drama The Gold.

Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley

Sweet and caring Edith didn't want to get married but she wanted to build a career in journalism and life of her own. She also had her fair share of tragedies - she was jilted at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan and her second fiancé Michael Gregson is killed by Nazis.

Laura Carmichael returned to the feature films which shared her character had two children and was running a publishing business. Beyond Downton, Laura has appeared in drama Marcella, The Spanish Princess and The Secrets She Keeps.

Outside of acting, Carmichael is in a relationship with her Downton Abbey co-star Michael C. Fox and they share a son.

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Josephine Talbot

Lady Mary was at first a petulant and cold young woman, but she showed more vulnerability and compassion as the series progressed. She sadly lost her husband Matthew after they welcomed their new born son and went on to marry racing driver Henry.

Following the series, Dockery has appeared in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless, Good Behaviour and the films The Gentlemen and Here.

Dockery is currently married to Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley

The Dowager Countess of Grantham was a strong influence in Downton Abbey and known for her quick of wit despite her age. She was a regular presence in Downton Abbey, up until the second film.

Dame Maggie Smith was acting royalty thanks to her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the film series, but also her two Oscar wins for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite.

In her later years, she was celebrated in documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright and also appeared in A Boy Called and The Miracle Club.

The beloved actress died aged 89 in September this year.

Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil Crawley

Brown Findlay was cast as Lady Sybil Crawley, the youngest and most forward-thinking of the Grantham daughters. She is the most politically charged of the family and insists on treating the people who work at Downton as equals.

Viewers will recall Sybil's relationship with the family's chauffeur, Thomas Branson and its tragic ending.

Since leaving the show, Jessica has appeared on various TV shows including BBC One drama Jamaica Inn, The Outcast, Harlots, Netflix's Castlevania. She will appear in ITVX drama Playing Nice in the near future and Mother Mary.

Other roles included Elizabeth in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Linder Sterling in England Is Mine and Munich: The Edge of War.

Dan Stevens as Matthew Reginald Crawley

Matthew Reginald Crawley was a middle-class distant cousin of the Crawleys and became the heir to the estate in the first episode and soon after moves to Downton. He was paralysed from the waist down in the First World War, but recovered to marry Lady Mary.

Sadly, he was killed in a car crash while driving home from the hospital. He named Mary to inherit Matthew's share of Downton.

Dan has gone on to have a 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 as Cora Crawley

Known as the Countess of Grantham, she was the wealthy American heiress who helped rescue Downton. Caring Cora helped open up Downton to soldiers during the First World War and served on the hospital board.

The American actress returned for the Downton Abbey films and also appeared in film The Chaperone. McGovern has also worked on her music with band Sadie and the Hotheads.

McGovern is British film director and producer Simon Curtis, who directed the 2022 film and its untitled sequel set to be released in 2025.

Lily James as Lady Rose Aldridge/MacClare

Viewers saw Lady Rose who often came into conflict with others and had a strained relationship with her mother. Later in the series, Rose matured and married Atticus Aldridge, the son of Lord and Lady Sinderby and they have a daughter together.

Lily James was a rising star at the time of Downton Abbey and she was later nominated for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy. The English actress has also appeared in The Dig, The Iron Claw, Baby Driver, Yesterday and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

James is currently in a relationship with Queens of the Stone Age bassist and songwriter Michael Shuman.

Jim Carter as Charles Carson

The butler at Downton, viewers quickly fell for Charles' professionalism, charm and commitment to the family. He was also a great support to the family, such as supporting Lady Mary with her grief over Matthew.

The seasoned actor was known for stage and TV roles before joining Downton Abbey and his career continued to soar after the TV show ended. He appeared in Transformers: The Last Knight, The Good Liar, The Sea Beast and .

Carter has also voiced many historical documentaries about Stonehenge, the , World War II and National Trust.

Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates

Anna Bates was a part of the show's most emotional, thrilling and heartfelt plots that include the pursuit of love, marriage, and loss — all while tending to the needs of Lady Mary Crawley and the rest of the family.

Joanne Froggatt's sympathetic portrayal earned her three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award.

Since appearing in Downton, Froggatt voiced Wendy in Bob the Builder as well as appear in TV shows Liar, Angela Black, Sherwood and North Shore. Froggatt has also returned for the Downton Abbey films.

Brendan Coyle as John Bates

The army veteran came to Downton Abbey as Robert Crawley's valet and was also the eyes, ears, and heart of the home. Despite many of his colleagues trying to remove him from his role, Bates won the respect of nearly everyone in the home.

Nominated for an Emmy for his work, Brendan Coyle has since returned for the Downton Abbey films. Coyle has also appeared in Murdoch Mysteries, 12 Monkeys, Requiem and Finders Keepers.

Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes

As head housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes ruled the roost and had high standards. She was however kind hearted and caring towards her staff and many listened to her for her wisdom.

The Scottish actress has since appeared in Shetland, Downton Abbey films, , Intergalactic and the new series Lockerbie.