LOS ANGELES: The upcoming third Downton Abbey movie will feature a special tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her decades-long career in film, television, and stage. The beloved actress, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, is remembered for her iconic roles in films like Harry Potter, Hook, Sister Act, and, of course, as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the Downton Abbey franchise.
Gareth Neame, the executive producer of the Downton Abbey films, shared that while the character of Violet Crawley had already been written out in the previous season of the series, Smith’s death has imbued the upcoming movie with even greater emotional depth. The film had originally planned to include a tribute to Smith’s character, but now, with the actress’s passing, the tribute will carry an added sense of poignancy.
Smith’s portrayal of Violet, with her sharp wit and poignant moments, made her a fan favorite and a central figure in the Downton Abbey series. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by both the cast and the audience in the upcoming movie. Neame emphasized that the tribute would celebrate not only Smith’s unforgettable contribution to the franchise but also her broader legacy as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
Fans of Downton Abbey will surely look forward to the film’s heartfelt homage to the legendary Dame Maggie Smith, ensuring that her legacy lives on through both the series and the movie.
