Downton Abbey
Dan Stevens Says He Spends A Lot Of Time Apologizing To Fans Of Downton Abbey For Leaving The Show!
Photo Credit:James Dimmock
Everyone is still in an uproar, apparently, that very popular British actor Dan Stevens left his leading role as Matthew Crawley at the end of season three of Downton Abbey, when Matthew was killed in a car crash, leaving Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) a widow with their newborn child!
However, due to Stevens desire to spread his wings and move to New York City to pursue his acting career, season four has been written revolving around how Lady Mary picks up her life after Matthew’s death!
For the first time, Stevens spoke out publicly about the duress he has caused Downton Abbey fans, when he appeared yesterday on NBC’s Today Show to promote his new film, Summer In February! Stevens admitted, “I spend a lot of my time apologizing (for leaving Downton Abbey). He elaborated that he has interactions on the street with people, (It happens) almost every day.”
On his decision to exit the popular British soap opera: “It was a tough decision. But like a lot of tough decisions, they’re kind of exciting to make at the same time. But I’m thrilled to be here and it’s been quite a year since we left.” Stevens did admit he watched the season four premiere of Downton Abbey and saw his old friends and it was quite emotional for him!
Watch the car crash that killed Matthew on “Downton” and then the interview with Dan Stevens on the Today Show! Then, let us know do you miss Dan on “Downton”?
In a statement from her sons as shared by Smith’s publicist, Clair Dobbs: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end, She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
In 1979, Dame Maggie was awarded a second Academy Award, this time for Best Supporting Actress, for her performance in Neil Simon’s California Suite. She has also received British Academy Film Awards for her work, including for her roles in 1985’s A Room with a View and 1987’s The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne.
Photo: JPI
Smith was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990, and from then on was widely known as “Dame Maggie Smith” Audiences got to see the widely-acclaimed actress in the US and the UK, once again when she took on the role of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. The acclaimed period drama about the British aristocracy ran for six seasons, 2010-2015 in the UK and into the beginning of 2016 in the US. She received three Primetime Emmy Awards for the role, and returned to reprise the part for the Downton Abbey 2019 feature-length film.
Photo: BBC
Several of Smith’s Downton Abbey co-stars have shared their grief, including Michelle Dockery (ex-Lady Mary Crawley) who expressed,”There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with her family.”
Hugh Bonneville (ex-Robert Crawley) who played Smith’s on-screen son in the series, wrote, “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”
Throughout her life, Smith was married twice. Once to Robert Stephens, and later to playwright Beverley Cross, from 1975 until his death in 1998. She is survived by her two sons, Toby and Chris.
Share your remembrances and your condolences for the great Dame Maggie Smith via the comment section below.
So many of us loved the soap opera that was Downton Abbey when it aired on PBS and ITV for six seasons. Then, a few years later in 2019, the highly-awaited Downton Abbey movie hit movie theatres near you.
Now comes word from Focus Features that a big-screen sequel is in the works and is slated for release this Christmas in December of 2021.
In a social media announcement, the film company shared: “We’re thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2, with Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West joining! See the film in theaters this Christmas.”
While, of course, no plot has been teased or given away, Fellowes will write the screenplay, with Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) set to direct.
“There’s no place like home for the holidays, and we can’t imagine a better gift than getting to reunite with Julian, (producer) Gareth Neame and the entire Downton family in 2021 to bring the Crawleys back home for their fans,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawsk in a statement.
So, excited to see your favorites and some potential new ones in the all-new Downton Abbey Movie later this year? Comment below.
Finally, Downton Abbey fans get a preview of the upcoming motion picture that is set for release in theatres on September 20th.
What we know is that the The film is set in 1927 and the plot revolves around the King and Queen of England coming to the estate for a visit and so … the Crawleys must prepare their arrival. In fact, they have to bring back Mr. Carson to help!
Featured in the trailer are series stars, who are also back for the film: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter and Maggie Smith.
Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the script and Michael Engler will serve as director. Engler directed the two-hours series finale.
As fans know, Downton Abbey ran on PBS Masterpiece for six seasons here in the U.S.
Check out the trailer, and then let us know if you are excited to see the movie? Comment below.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
I have mixed feelings regarding his departure.
My “common sense” side says “of course! it’s his right to leave…acting is a job…his career…and he has every right to pursue other work.” and, it’s no one’s business but his own…literally and figuratively.
On the other hand, my “viewer” side says, “hey! you made me care about Matthew…I’ve invested time and emotion into the Matthew/Mary relationship….so it’s a bit selfish to just bail out in the middle of the story because you “feel like it.” Really, what’s the point of the fan/audience getting all caught up in a storyline if the actor can’t even respect it enough to play it out. It’s not like his character was on it for years ala a soap where some of these people play the same roles all their lives.
So I think my “viewer” side wins. I would have liked to have had him give another season or two to Downton…maybe try to work out a schedule where he could swing several pursuits at one time if it was doable. Not a happy viewer regarding his decision….
Totally agree with you, rebecca1! I’m still loving the “Abbey,” but there is truly something special missing without the Matthew/Mary coupling. The fact it took so long for them to get together and find happiness, only to have it cut too tragically short really knocked the wind out of the series. I’m certainly not liking the latest suitor for Mary (Lord Gillingham) but am reserving judgment on the Julian Ovenden character since I so enjoyed him on “Foyle’s War.” However, I honestly don’t think anyone can truly replace Matthew in either Mary or the viewers’ hearts….he was just such a sweetheart and sooo boyishly adorable…he brought out the best in Michelle Dockery, as they had such superb chemistry right from the start. (But I would like to see either Douglas Booth or Ioan Griffudd give it a try!!!! Maybe next series?????) P.S. I quite fancied Hugh Grant as well….way back when and before the “Divine Brown” incident! Since then, not so much….
Who is Dan Stevens?
Although I’m only talking to myself and Michael it seems…I’ll go with it! LOL. I’m thinking Dan reminds me of Hugh Grant…whom I really like! Just a thought. Hahahah…thought I’d add a few comments to this sadly lacking Downton discussion. I guess daytime soapers aren’t as into thei nighttime ones? If anyone’s reading this…the show is beyond excellent. Check it out!
No, I hear you, too, Rebecca! Just been too busy to comment before now, It’s true that there is far too little commentary on the nighttime and foreign programs, and it’s a real shame since they have quality written all over them. Nothing against daytime, but this is where the real enjoyment lies…(.I only watch GH out of a sense of nostalgia for its glory days of the ’80’s and primarily the returning cast members….) Oh, and for the record, I believe that one day it will be considered common wisdom that Dan Stevens made a big mistake leaving the “Abbey” so prematurely….I understand his quest for greater stardom, but Julian Fellowes would have been more than accommodating to him, as he has been with other stars of the show wanting to do outside projects. Look at Benedict Cumberbatch…he is practically a superstar now, but he always comes back to “Sherlock” because he knows that role made him and he hasn’t become too big for his britches! Such a pity Mr. Stevens didn’t feel that same sense of loyalty to his claim to fame show and its many fans!
Hi Shay! Seems we’re always running into each other at these different parties! 😉
I watched Dan Stevens being interviewed and I was a bit put off by his cavalier attitude. (And I find I want to post/comment against myself right now for saying that! 🙂 )
It’s just that he was joking about how often he gets stopped in the streets of New York by irate viewers who blame him for leaving the show…and while he understands it…and feels a bit nostalgic when he tunes in to watch his friends…he’ls loving New York, found work and has had a “great year.” So, no…he doesn’t regret his decision.
That type of attitude, even when listening to daytime actors who’ve decided to leave a show prematurely…somehow, at least temporarily, put me out of that “ability to suspend my disbelief” while watching. I feel like well, “well, he/she’s over it…why am I still here!
😉
oh man…couple o’ more things. First off…I’m completely out of iit! Hahahah…I just reread my comments about how I saw Stevens interviewed…and then scrolled up to realize the interview was here! LOL…I need sleep.
and yes, there doesn’t seem to be the same following for the nighttime or more sophisticated
soaps…at least not from a large part of the daytime soap world. And on the flip side of the coin there are probably a lot of viewers of Downton and other Brit or shall I say more “complex” shows that wouldn’t step foot into daytime. I think you and I cross into both worlds…sorta like when I go dancing at the clubs…and then decide to drink a glass of wine and either read or engage in some psychologically, philosophically in-depth conversation at an outdoor cafe…
In other words, we have eclectic tastes! (Kinda like enjoying both Boccelli and ’80’s Britpop….) We are considered what is technically referred to as “boundary spanners!’ But yeah….I am not a diehard daytime fan….I keep up with GH for nostalgia’s sake, but I couldn’t spend all my hours doing the daytime thing, even though there was a point years ago when I pretty much kept up with all the soaps at one time or another…save for “Guiding Light,” don’t ask me why, as I couldn’t tell you….but I do prefer the more engaging and complex nature of primetime/British dramas. They just pay much more attention to detail and the complexities of plots, characters, and production values, not to mention their usage of traditional and proper English. We have become so lazy on this side of the pond when it comes to grammar and usage that one needs to reinforce one’s self in the correct principles of language before they completely disappear!!! Having said that, I do applaud GH for its international flair….with characters like Dr. O., Faison, Anna, Duke, and our dear Scorpio, the discourse and cultural references on the show do raise the bar above the usual daytime blather. That’s why I find the program so lacking when these people are not front and center, and also the reason I cannot wait for the arrival of the dashing and debonair Victor Cassadine….that should up the I.Q! As for Dan Stevens, since he WAS the original topic of discussion here, I’m not saying that he should regret his decision based upon his past year’s activities, but I do believe he would have experienced greater long-term success if he had both stayed with his original “Downton” role a bit longer (so as not to alienate his loyal base of fans there) and simultaneously pursued outside projects, as so many other “Abbey” cast members have done (not to mention “Sherlock’s” Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.) Especially since I do believe that Julian Fellowes would have accommodated his needs in order to keep the character alive. However, that is now water under the bridge and only time will tell what the future will bring. I do rather hope that when the series does meet its eventual end that Mr. Stevens will treat his followers to a repeat appearance as his now-grown son…that would certainly bring a fitting closure to the saga. (Perhaps by then he will not be so dismissive of the program’s part in his entre’ to the U.S. market…..)