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Downton Abbey became one of the biggest and most unlikely hits in the mid-2010s, making big stars out of little known actors. In addition to the main cast, some of the show’s supporting stars are perhaps very well known today, but back then, were just making their name on the world stage.
Below we break down seven actors — both big and small — who you may have forgotten graced the halls of the fictional estate belonging to the Crawley family.
Rose Leslie
Rose Leslie became a fan favorite on Game of Thrones, playing opposite Kit Harrington as the tough yet sweet Ygritte. But before she took on the role as a woman of the Free Folk, Rose played the role of Gwen Dawson, a simple maid in the Downton house, in eight episodes of Downton Abbey, appearing in all of season one plus one episode in the final season.
Although Gwen worked as a maid at the Crawley’s estate, she had big dreams to become a secretary. Lady Sybil, played by Jessica Brown Findlay helped her realize those dreams by connecting her with a business man who visited Downton.
When we first met Gwen she was a maid on the Crawley’s estate but with big dreams to become a secretary. Sybil helps her realise those dreams when she helps her get a job with a businessman who visits Downton. In the final season, when Gwen returns after being away for 11 years, it’s revealed she married a gentleman and rose in class status. She informs them of her past occupation and recalls Sybil’s kindness toward her.
Charlie Cox
Charlie Cox has made a serious name for himself as Daredevil, but before he was fighting crime in Hell’s Kitchen, he had a prominent role on Downton as Phillip Villiers, Duke of Crowborough, putting on like he was attempting to swoon Lady Mary Crawley.
Although he made it seem as if he was attempting to court Lady Mary, he was actually busy, well, getting busy, with footman Thomas Barrow. The two shared a brief romance at the estate but then Phillip took off, realizing there was no money waiting for him at Downton in Lady Mary.
Lily James
Lily James is now a household name in both film and TV, playing roles in Disney’s Cinderella, Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver, and, most recently, making a splash as Pamela Anderson opposite Sebastian Stan‘s Tommy Lee in Hulu’s Pam & Tommy.
Before she blew up in Hollywood, however, Lily was a mainstay on Downton for multiple seasons, playing the sweet and adventurous cousin of the Crawley family, Lady Rose. Rose brought light back to the Yorkshire estate after Lady Sybil’s death, even though she was a bit rebellious. She would later marry Atticus Aldridge and give birth to a daughter Victoria Rachel Cora.
Paul Giamatti
A beloved performer in the U.S., perhaps many weren’t expecting the likes of Paul Giamatti to show up on our Downton screens. The actor, who has a plethora of film and TV credits such as in Sideways, John Adams, and, most recently, Billions, played Cora Crawley‘s brother Harold Levinson.
The American newcomer, who made a cameo in one episode of the show, was definitely different than his British counterparts. As a no-nonsense man, he was out of place among the upper crust of Europe, but still made some companions. While staying at the Crawley’s in London for Rose’s ball, he becomes drawn to Lord Aysgarth‘s (James Fox) daughter, Madeleine Allsopp (Poppy Drayton).
Dan Stevens
Dan Stevens, who played Matthew Crawley, heir to Robert Crawley and lover and husband to Lady Mary Crawley sadly left the show quite abruptly in season 3 in a car wreck. Although tragic for Downton fans, Dan’s exit was fortunate for his career, as he moved on to some major projects, like having the lead in the FX X-Men series Legion and starring as the Beast in the remake of Disney’s animated film Beauty & the Beast.
In a 2021 interview with The Australian, per Town & Country, Dan admitted to his concerns about being typecast if he stayed with Downtown for too long, saying he wanted to leave to pursue more “variety” in his career. In another interview with Digital Spy, Dan noted he didn’t plan on returning to the Downton universe for any movies, but enjoyed his time on the show.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everything that that role and that show gave me,” he said. “And also, you know, learning to put my faith in fortune, I guess, and following instinct, and following the advice of good people around me.”
Iain Glen
Social World Film Festival, Italy, 2020 (Roberto Jandoli/IPA/Shutterstock).
In addition to Rose Leslie came another Game of Thrones favorite, Iain Glenn, who was best known on the fantasy series as Daenerys Targaryen’s loyal servant, Jorah Mormont. Moreover, Iain can be found in the DC Universe series Titans as a matured Bruce Wayne.
ICYMI, Iain played a suitor, Richard Carlisle, to Lady Mary. Unlike the tender-hearted Jorah he played on GoT, Iain’s Richard was a mean-spirited snob who almost forced Lady Mary to marry him. Luckily, Lady Mary refused and fell for Matthew, leaving Richard in the dust.
James Faulkner
Another Game of Thrones star? You don’t say! James Faulkner was also a part of the HBO series, playing Samwell Tarly’s evil father Randyll Tarly. Daenerys Targaryen burned the leader of his house alive after she defeated him and the Lannister forces during battle.
James is keen on playing villains, as in Downton, he played Lord Sinderby, aka the husband to Penny Downie’s Lady Sinderby. He was known for disapproving of his son’s relationship with Lady Rose, considering his family’s Jewish ancestry not aligning with Rose’s Christian background.