It’s hard to believe that Downton Abbey first aired 15 years ago in 2010. The beloved British period drama captured hearts worldwide with its unforgettable characters and compelling stories. Now, in 2025, the legacy of the Crawleys and their devoted staff lives on, not only in fans' hearts but also in a highly anticipated new chapter.
The third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, is set to premiere in September 2025, bringing the story to a touching close. It will be a poignant return, made even more meaningful following the loss of Dame Maggie Smith - the iconic Dowager Countess - who passed away in 2024 at the age of 89.
But where is the Downton Abbey cast now, and what have they been up to since their time at the iconic estate?
Where is the Downton Abbey cast doing now?
Let’s take a look at the stars and see where life has taken them over the years.
Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley)
Michelle Dockery, the fierce and elegant Lady Mary, has continued to shine on screen. In recent years, she starred in Netflix’s Anatomy of a Scandal and has appeared on the West End stage.
In 2023, she married Jasper Waller-Bridge - a TV and film producer and music manager, and brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge - seven years after the death of her former fiancé.
Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley)
The Earl of Grantham, Hugh Bonneville, has built a varied career post-Downton. Known for roles in Paddington and The Gold, Hugh is also a popular presenter and advocate for British arts and charities.
In June 2025, it was announced that the acclaimed actor would be reprising his role as Ian Fletcher in a Twenty Twelve and W1A sequel.
Lily James (Lady Rose MacClare)
Lily James, who played the spirited Lady Rose, has become a Hollywood star. She’s appeared in major productions like Cinderella, Pam & Tommy, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, where she starred as a younger version of Meryl Streep's character Donna Sheridan. Her career continues to flourish internationally.
Jim Carter (Mr. Carson)
Jim Carter, the beloved butler Mr. Carson, remains a staple of British entertainment. He lends his voice to audiobooks and features in films like The Good Liar. The actor often participates in charity work and historic preservation.
Jim is still happily married to The Crown actress Imelda Staunton, who played Lady Bagshaw, a lady-in-waiting to the Queen in the Downton Abbey motion picture. Their daughter, Bessie Carter, is also an actress and is best known for playing Prudence Featherington in Bridgerton.
Elizabeth McGovern (Cora Crawley)
American actress Elizabeth McGovern continues to impress with her work both on screen and in music. She leads her band Sadie and the Hotheads and takes on acting roles in theatre and TV.
Over her career, she has earned critical acclaim, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, three Golden Globe nominations, and an Academy Award nomination.
Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley)
Dan Stevens, Lady Mary’s tragic love interest, has carved out a successful Hollywood career. He’s known for roles in Beauty and the Beast and the Marvel series Legion, where he portrayed David Haller.
Jessica Brown Findlay (Lady Sybil Crawley)
Jessica Brown Findlay, who was the free-spirited Lady Sybil, has appeared in Harlots, For the People, and films like Winter’s Tale. More recently, you may recognise her from Playing Nice, one of ITV's top dramas of 2025.
She's married to stage and screen actor and writer Ziggy Heath, and they have two twin boys, whom they welcomed via IVF in November 2022.
Penelope Wilton (Isobel Crawley)
Penelope Wilton, who played the compassionate Isobel Crawley, remains a beloved and highly respected figure in British drama. She has appeared in popular shows such as Doctor Who and Downton Abbey’s spin-offs.
Penelope continues to thrive on stage, frequently performing in acclaimed theatre productions across London’s West End.
Laura Carmichael (Edith Crawley)
Laura Carmichael has embraced darker, more complex roles since Downton Abbey. She captivated audiences during lockdown as Agatha Fyfle in the gripping thriller The Secrets She Keeps. She also starred as Maddy Stevenson in Marcella, acting alongside Anna Friel, with whom she shared the stage in a 2021 production of Uncle Vanya.
Brendan Coyle (John Bates)
Brendan Coyle, who played the loyal and steadfast John Bates, husband of Anna Bates, has appeared in several gritty dramas such as Requiem and Toxic Town, where he portrayed an MP involved in the Corby poisoning controversy - a story close to home, as the actor himself is from Corby.
In film, he has starred in the adaptation of Jojo Moyes' bestselling book, Me Before You and Mary Queen of Scots, which starred Saoirse Ronan and Margaret Robbie.
Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates)
Since Downton Abbey, the former Coronation Street actress has led major dramas and psychological thrillers such as Liar, Angela Black, Breathtaking, and North Shore. She's also acted in Sherwood and MobLand.
In 2014, she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film for her portrayal of Anna Bates.
Phyllis Logan (Elsie Hughes/Carson)
Phyllis Logan, who portrayed the kind and capable housekeeper Mrs. Hughes, continues to work in television and theatre. She’s appeared in series like Girlfriends, The Good Karma Hospital and the Channel 5 drama, Murder Most Puzzling.
Since 2011, she has been married to actor Kevin McNally, who also had a role in Downton Abbey as Horace Bryant. However, he did not appear in many episodes.
Matthew Goode (Henry Talbot)
Matthew Goode, who portrayed the dashing race car driver Henry Talbot, has enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood and British productions. He’s starred as Lord Snowdon in The Crown, Matthew Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches and Philip Durrant in Ordeal By Innocence.
You may have seen him lead the new, highly popular spy series Dept Q. on Netflix.
Siobhan Finneran (Sarah O'Brien)
Siobhan Finneran, who played the formidable and sharp-tongued lady’s maid Sarah O’Brien, has remained a regular presence on British television. She’s starred in Happy Valley, Benidorm, The Stranger, and Alma’s Not Normal, and has led the ITV drama Protection, which was watched eagerly by fans all over the world.
In her personal life, Siobhan has sparked romance rumours with Death in Paradise star Don Gilet. While the pair have not publicly confirmed a relationship, they have been photographed together at several events, fuelling speculation among fans and media alike.
Rose Leslie (Gwen Dawson)
After playing the charming and kind-hearted Gwen Dawson, Rose Leslie has risen to international fame with her role as the fiery Ygritte in Game of Thrones. More recently, she appeared alongside Suranne Jones in the gripping BBC drama Vigil, as her girlfriend DCI Kirsten Longacre in Vigil.
Off-screen, Rose is married to fellow actor Kit Harington, her former co-star and on-screen love interest from Game of Thrones. The couple met on set and married in 2018, becoming one of British television’s most beloved real-life pairings.
Tom Cullen (Lord Gillingham)
Since playing Lord Gillingham, Welsh actor Tom Cullen continues to build a solid career in drama and historical fiction, with parts in The Five, Insomnia (opposite Line of Duty legend Vicky McClure) and The Gold.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and loves going on walks with her three dogs.