Whether you’re a devoted fan of Downton Abbey or merely an occasional viewer, the conclusion of the beloved period drama is set to leave a lasting impact. As the series bids farewell with its final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Michelle Dockery, who portrayed the indomitable Lady Mary Crawley, shares her thoughts on the bittersweet end of an era and what lies ahead for her.
Dockery, now 43, has been a central figure in the show since it first aired in 2010. Her portrayal of Lady Mary, a character that embodies the estate’s past, present, and future, has resonated with audiences worldwide. “In some ways, we’ve been saying goodbye for quite a long time,” Dockery reflects. “We thought the end of the [television] series was it. We did the first film, and it wasn’t guaranteed that we were going to do another one.”
The Journey of Lady Mary
Set on a fictional Yorkshire country estate, Downton Abbey captured the social changes transforming Britain between 1912 and 1926. The series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, setting ratings records and capturing the hearts of audiences globally. Dockery’s character, Lady Mary, faced the challenge of being the natural heir to her father’s estate, yet restricted by Britain’s inheritance laws at the time.
Reflecting on the show’s impact, Dockery notes, “The characters are worlds away from what modern audiences are experiencing, but there’s something about them that really had an effect on viewers – and still does, 15 years on.”
Behind the Scenes and Personal Reflections
Dockery’s journey on Downton Abbey has been intertwined with her personal life. She experienced both professional success and personal tragedy, losing her partner, John Dineen, to cancer in 2015. Despite these challenges, she has embarked on a new chapter, marrying Jasper Waller-Bridge in 2023.
Discussing the end of the series, Dockery shares the emotional process of saying goodbye. “We were saying goodbye to Mary’s bedroom in one scene, and I thought, ‘That’s it, that’s my last scene here.’ And then you started to see everybody else’s goodbyes,” she recalls.
Parallels with Modern Television
Dockery draws comparisons between Downton Abbey and the HBO drama Succession, noting the similarities in themes of inheritance and power dynamics. “Lady Mary is of her time, however restricted, and she’s still adamant about making those changes. She knew that it was time for change,” Dockery observes.
The Legacy of Maggie Smith
One of the most iconic figures of Downton Abbey was Maggie Smith, whose portrayal of the Dowager Countess left an indelible mark on the series. Although Smith does not appear in the final film, her presence was deeply felt on set. “On that set, although Maggie wasn’t with us, her presence was really felt,” Dockery says. “We talk about her a lot, we spent so much time with her.”
Smith’s wit and wisdom, encapsulated in lines such as “I never argue, I explain,” have become part of the show’s legacy. Dockery fondly remembers the camaraderie and support among the cast, especially during the final days of filming.
Looking Ahead
As Dockery looks to the future, she remains open to new opportunities and challenges. While she treasures a few mementos from the set, such as the toy dog Mary gave to Matthew Crawley, she is ready to embrace what comes next. “It’s always lovely to hear from strangers how much they’ve enjoyed the show and how much the show has been a part of their life,” she remarks.
The conclusion of Downton Abbey marks the end of a significant chapter for Dockery and her fellow cast members. Yet, as they bid farewell to the grandeur of Highclere Castle, the impact of their work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
