Downton Abbey first aired in 2010 and the British period drama has since become an ITV favourite.

Downton Abbey aired 15 years ago

The beloved ITV drama Downton Abbey has been a firm favourite among television enthusiasts since its debut in 2010, and it’s no surprise that fans are clamouring for more.

Spanning the years from 1912 to 1926, this quintessentially British series is set in the fictitious Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, chronicling the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff.

Boasting a cast of popular TV actors, the programme delves into several pivotal historical events, including the First World War, the Spanish flu pandemic, the Irish War of Independence, and the waning of the British aristocracy.

Downton Abbey garnered international praise, captivating audiences and critics alike, and securing numerous award nominations, such as Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards. After concluding in 2015, the show’s extraordinary success paved the way for two feature films in 2019 and 2022, with a third anticipated for release in 2025, according to the Daily Express.

Given the extensive ensemble cast, it’s hardly shocking that many have gone on to enjoy significant success on the small screen or have emerged as rising stars in the realm of television and film. Let’s take a look at what the Downton Abbey cast is up to now.

Hugh Bonneville starred as Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Hugh Bonneville – Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham

As Lord Grantham, the head of the Crawley family, he was deeply committed to his ancestral home at Downton and dedicated to preserving the estate for future generations.

Bonneville’s performance in Downton Abbey was met with widespread acclaim, earning him a pair of Emmy nominations and recognition from the Golden Globes.

Post-Downton, Bonneville has remained a fixture on British television screens, while also making waves across the pond with roles such as Henry Brown in the Paddington films, Muppets Most Wanted and Bank of Dave.

He recently graced our screens in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Douglas Is Cancelled and the BBC drama The Gold.

Laura Carmichael portrayed Lady Edith Crawley on Downton Abbey (Image: Matt Crossick/PA Wire)

Laura Carmichael – Lady Edith Crawley

The empathetic Edith showed little interest in matrimony but was keen to carve out her own career in journalism. She experienced her fair share of heartbreak – being left at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan and losing her second fiancé Michael Gregson.

Following Downton, Laura Carmichael returned to the big screen where her character had two children and ran a publishing business. Beyond Downton, Laura has appeared in dramas such as Marcella, The Spanish Princess and The Secrets She Keeps.

Off-screen, Carmichael is romantically involved with her Downton Abbey co-star Michael C. Fox, and they share a son together.

Michelle Dockery attends the world premiere of “Downtown Abbey: A New Era” (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Focus Features)

Michelle Dockery – Lady Mary Josephine Talbot

At first, Lady Mary came across as a petulant and frosty young woman, but as the series unfolded, she revealed more vulnerability and warmth. Tragically, she lost her husband Matthew after the birth of their son, and later tied the knot with racing driver Henry.

Since her Downton days, Dockery has taken on roles in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless, Good Behaviour and the films The Gentlemen and Here.

Dockery is married to Jasper Waller-Bridge, the sibling of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She was previously engaged to the late John Dineen, who tragically died in 2015 before they were married.

Dame Maggie Smith played Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey

Dame Maggie Smith – Violet Crawley

The Dowager Countess of Grantham, renowned for her sharp wit despite her age, was a key figure in Downton Abbey, appearing until the second film.

Prior to Downton, the late Dame Maggie Smith had already cemented her status as acting royalty with her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and her double Oscar wins for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite.

In her later years, she was celebrated in the documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright. Her recent works include A Boy Called Christmas and The Miracle Club.

The much-loved actress sadly died at the age of 89 in September last year.

Jessica Brown Findlay, who starred in Downton Abbey

Jessica Brown Findlay – Lady Sybil Crawley

Brown Findlay was cast as Lady Sybil Crawley, the youngest and most progressive of the Grantham daughters. She is the family’s most politically active member and strongly advocates for treating Downton’s staff as equals.

Fans will remember Sybil’s love affair with the family’s chauffeur, Thomas Branson, and its heartbreaking conclusion.

Since her Downton days, Jessica has graced our screens in a variety of TV shows including BBC One’s Jamaica Inn, The Outcast, Harlots, and Netflix’s Castlevania. She is set to star in ITVX’s drama Playing Nice and Mother Mary in the forthcoming period.

Her other notable 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 has since built a successful career in film and TV

Dan Stevens – Matthew Reginald Crawley

Matthew Reginald Crawley, a middle-class distant relative of the Crawleys, was introduced as the heir to the estate in the first episode and subsequently relocated to Downton. He suffered paralysis from the waist down during the First World War but made a recovery and wed Lady Mary.

Tragically, he met his end in a car accident while returning home from the hospital, leaving his share of Downton to Mary.

Dan has since carved out a successful 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.

Most recently, he starred alongside Robert De Niro in Netflix’s Zero Day.

Elizabeth McGovern starred in Downton Abbey (Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Elizabeth McGovern – Cora Crawley

Recognised as the Countess of Grantham, she was the affluent American heiress who played a crucial role in preserving Downton. Kind-hearted Cora transformed Downton into a refuge for 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 featured in the film The Chaperone. McGovern has also explored her musical passions with band Sadie and the Hotheads.

McGovern is wedded to British film director and producer Simon Curtis, who helmed the 2022 film and its yet-to-be-named sequel slated for a 2025 release.

Former Downton Abbey star Lily James (Image: Ian West//PA Wire)

Lily James – Lady Rose Aldridge/MacClare

Audiences witnessed Lady Rose frequently at odds with others, maintaining a strained relationship with her mother. As the series unfolded, Rose evolved and tied the knot with Atticus Aldridge, the offspring of Lord and Lady Sinderby, and they have a child together.

Lily James, initially gaining fame from her time on Downton Abbey, subsequently received nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her depiction of Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy. The British actress’s filmography includes The Dig, The Iron Claw, Baby Driver, Yesterday and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Jim Carter starred in Downton Abbey

Jim Carter – Charles Carson

As Downton’s butler, audiences quickly warmed to Charles’ professionalism, charm and devotion to the family. He was an indispensable pillar of support to the family, notably aiding Lady Mary during her grieving period following Matthew’s death.

The seasoned actor, known for his theatre and TV roles before joining Downton Abbey, continued to enjoy a flourishing career after the series. He featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, The Good Liar, The Sea Beast and Wonka.

Carter has also lent his voice to a host of historical documentaries covering topics such as Stonehenge, the Royal family, World War II and the National Trust.

The actor is married to Harry Potter actress Imelda Staunton and the pair share daughter Bessie Carter, who is an actress best known for her role in Netflix’s Bridgerton.

Joanne Froggatt starred as Anna Bates in Downton Abbey

Joanne Froggatt – Anna Bates

Anna Bates was central to some of the most poignant, thrilling and heartfelt narratives of the show, encompassing themes of love, matrimony, and grief, all while dutifully serving Lady Mary Crawley and her family.