Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale cast – new and returning stars in the closing chapter

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Over a number of years, Downton Abbey has provided viewers with an abundance of remarkably memorable characters, both initially on television and later in films.

Despite several factors preventing all characters from appearing, the final film, Downton Abbey: The Farewell Season, features a considerable number of beloved characters from the series’ duration. Among them are Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter, and Elizabeth McGovern, who have returned for the finale’s heartwarming conclusion.

Although Matthew Goode’s character, Henry Talbot, is missing from the latest installment, it’s been disclosed that Dockery’s ongoing divorce plot wasn’t modified due to Goode’s unavailability during filming.

Undeniably, the absence of Maggie Smith, a legend we lost last year at the age of 89, will be deeply felt. The movie pays a heartfelt tribute to not just the remarkable actress herself but also her unforgettable character, Violet Crawley, whose death was part of the storyline in the previous film.

In the upcoming chapter, we’ll see Academy Award nominee Paul Giamatti return after a long hiatus since his last appearance. He will be joined by two notable actors, Alessandro Nivola and Simon Russell Beale, who are making their debuts on Downton Abbey.

Read on for everything you need to know about the cast for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale cast – new and returning stars in the closing chapter

The complete cast list is provided below; for more comprehensive details about each actor and their respective roles, continue scrolling down.

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone to make it easier to read and understand.

  • Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot
  • Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
  • Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
  • Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Pelham
  • Jim Carter as Mr Charles Carson
  • Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
  • Penelope Wilton as Isobel Grey
  • Brendan Coyle as John Bates
  • Phyllis Logan as Mrs Elsie Hughes Carson
  • Dominic West as Guy Dexter
  • Allen Leech as Tom Branson
  • Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker
  • Lesley Nicol as Mrs Beryl Patmore
  • Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley
  • Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter
  • Michael C Fox as Andy Parker
  • Harry Hadden-Paton as Herbert “Bertie” Pelham
  • Robert James-Collier as Thomas Barrow
  • Douglas Reith as Lord Merton
  • Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson
  • Joely Richardson as Lady Petersfield
  • Alessandro Nivola as Gus Sambrook
  • Simon Russell Beale as Sir Hector Moreland
  • Arty Froushan as Noel Coward

Michelle Dockery plays Lady Mary Talbot

Who is Lady Mary Talbot? She is the eldest daughter of the Granthams, who has recently faced an upcoming divorce from Henry Talbot, which has sparked quite a controversy and distanced her from various other families.

Besides “Good Behaviour,” “Godless,” “Defending Jacob,” “Anatomy of a Scandal,” and “Town,” Michelle Dockery has also featured in other productions such as “Hanna,” “Anna Karenina,” “Non-Stop,” “The Gentlemen,” “Here” and “Flight Risk.

Hugh Bonneville plays Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham

Is Robert Crawley, also known as the 7th Earl of Grantham, the head of the Crawley household? He seems to be struggling under the recent financial burdens facing his family.

Has Hugh Bonneville appeared in anything other than Downton Abbey? Yes, he has also starred in movies like Notting Hill, Iris, The Monuments Men, and the Paddington film series. On TV, you might recognize him from his roles in shows such as WIA, where he played Ian Fletcher, and others including The Gold and Douglas is Cancelled.

Elizabeth McGovern plays Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham

Who is Cora Crawley? She is Robert’s compassionate American spouse, also known as the Countess of Grantham, who suddenly receives a surprise visit from her sibling.

Have you wondered about what other projects Elizabeth McGovern has been involved in? Aside from her memorable roles in Ordinary People, Ragtime, Once Upon a Time in America, She’s Having a Baby, The Bedroom Window, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Wings of the Dove, she is also well-known for her work as an American actress and musician.

Laura Carmichael plays Lady Edith Pelham

Lady Edith Pelham is the second daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, currently wedded to Bertie Pelham.

Lady Edith Pelham is the second-born daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, now married to Bertie Pelham.

Beyond her role in Downton Abbey, Laura Carmichael has also graced our screens in various other productions. These include the TV shows Marcella, The Spanish Princess, and The Secrets She Keeps, as well as the movie A United Kingdom.

Jim Carter plays Mr Charles Carson

Who is Mr. Charles Carson? He is now a retiree, but was once the Butler of the Crawley family. Despite retiring, he still finds himself drawn to Downton, having been married to the former Elsie Hughes.

Besides Jim Carter’s role in Doctor Who as Charles Darwin, he has been featured in various films such as A Private Function, The Witches, Stalin, The Madness of King George, Richard III, Shakespeare in Love, The Golden Compass, My Week with Marilyn, and Hugo. On television, he starred in Cracker, Red Riding, and Cranford, where he worked alongside his wife Imelda Staunton.

Joanne Froggatt plays Anna Bates

Who is Anna Bates? Lady’s maid to Lady Mary and wife of John Bates.

Has Joanne Froggatt appeared in anything else besides the titles mentioned? Yes, she has also been seen in Coronation Street, Life on Mars, Bad Girls, Dinnerladies, A Touch of Frost, Liar, Angela Black, Danielle Cable: Eyewitness, See No Evil: The Moors Murders, MobLand, and a variety of other shows.

Penelope Wilton plays Isobel Grey

Who is Isobel Grey? She is the mother of Mary’s deceased first husband, Matthew Crawley, who is quite active in planning the County Fair and is looking to expand the organizing committee.

Is there anything else Dame Penelope Wilton is recognized for besides Ever Decreasing Circles, The Borrowers and its sequel, The Return of the Borrowers, The Secret Rapture, The Deep Blue Sea, Calendar Girls, Shaun of the Dead, Match Point, Pride & Prejudice, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Girl, The BFG, and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

Brendan Coyle plays John Bates

Who is John Bates? The valet of Lord Grantham and husband of Anna Bates.

Have you wondered about other roles Brendan Coyle has taken on? Besides his work in North & South, Lark Rise to Candleford, Conspiracy, and Prime Suspect: The Final Act, he’s also been seen in movies like Me Before You and Mary Queen of Scots.

Phyllis Logan plays Mrs Elsie Hughes

Mrs. Elsie Hughes can be described as the Downton Abbey’s housekeeper, currently assisting her husband, Charlie Carson, in adjusting to his retirement.

Is there anything else that Scottish actress Phyllis Logan is recognized for, apart from her roles in Lovejoy, Another Time, Another Place, Secrets & Lies, Shooting Fish, and Misbehaviour?

Dominic West plays Guy Dexter

As a cinephile, I’m quite familiar with the name Guy Dexter – an esteemed actor whose paths crossed with Thomas Barrow on the set of our beloved Downton Abbey during our past cinematic venture.

Has Dominic West been involved in anything else apart from The Wire, The Affair, Appropriate Adult, Les Miserables, Brassic, Chicago, 300, The Punisher: War Zone, Colette, and The Crown’s Charles, Prince of Wales? Yes, he has! He has also graced our screens in films like these.

Allen Leech plays Tom Branson

Who is Tom Branson? He is the widower of the late youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, Lady Sybil. In a previous movie, he got remarried. Now, he has returned to Downton Abbey at the behest of Edith.

Have you ever seen Allen Leech in anything other than Bohemian Rhapsody or Rome? The Irish actor has also appeared as Paul Prenter and Marcus Agrippa in these projects.

Sophie McShera plays Daisy Parker

Daisy Parker, who serves as the assistant cook at Downton Abbey, is on the brink of a promotion and has been encouraged by Lady Grey to assist with the County Fair Committee.

What other shows or films has Sophie McShera appeared in besides [the one you’re referring to]? Besides [the show/movie you mentioned], she is also recognized for her roles in TV dramas like Waterloo Road, The Gallows Pole, and the live-action Disney movie Cinderella.

Lesley Nicol plays Mrs Beryl Patmore

The long-standing chef from Downton Abbey, who recently got married and is gearing up for her upcoming retirement, is none other than Mrs. Beryl Patmore.

What other productions has Lesley Nicol appeared in besides her role as Auntie Annie in East is East and West is West? Some of the TV shows she’s been part of include Holby City, Heartbeat, Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, and Mr. Bates vs The Post Office.

Kevin Doyle plays Joseph Molesley

The individual you’re referring to is Joseph Molesley, a former school teacher and footman in the local area. He has achieved success as a screenwriter, yet currently grapples with writer’s block.

Apart from what you might already know, Kevin Doyle has also appeared in shows such as Happy Valley, The Crimson Field, and Sherwood.

Michael C Fox plays Andy Parker

Andy Parker is the present butler at Downton Abbey, known for his previous role as a footman. He’s also married to Daisy.

Has Michael C Fox starred in anything else aside from Dunkirk, Endeavour, and Midsomer Murders?

Raquel Cassidy plays Phyllis Baxter

The woman you’re asking about is Phyllis Baxter, who serves as the maid in Lady Grantham’s household, and she’s married to Joseph Molesley. However, their marriage has faced some tension due to his difficulties with screenwriting.

Apart from these, Raquel Cassidy can also be seen in the TV shows Teachers, Party Animals, The Worst Witch, and The Good Karma Hospital.

Harry Hadden-Paton plays Herbert “Bertie” Pelham

Who is Berti Pelham? The 7th Marquess of Hexham and husband of Edith.

Has Harry Hadden-Paton appeared in anything other than The Crown? He has also been featured in various other shows such as Midsomer Murders, Hotel Babylon, Silk, The Amazing Mrs Pritchard, Drifters, Wallander, Waking the Dead, Walter, and Grantchester.

Robert James-Collier plays Thomas Barrow

Who is Thomas Barrow known as? He is the previous butler from Downton Abbey, now serving as a housekeeper, dresser, and clandestine lover to Guy Dexter.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, beyond mesmerizing audiences with his performance as Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey, the talented Robert-James Collier has left indelible marks on our collective consciousness through his gripping portrayal of Liam Connor in Coronation Street. His versatile acting skills have been showcased further in television series like Love Life, The Level, Ackley Bridge, Fate: The Winx Saga, and Generation Z. Notably, he’s also had a chilling role in the horror film The Ritual, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with across various genres.

Douglas Reith plays Lord Merton

What about the character we know as Lord Merton? He’s a close acquaintance of the Crawley family, the godfather of Lady Mary, and he tied the knot with Isobel as his second wife.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Douglas Reith in more than just the film we’ve previously discussed. He’s graced the screens with his presence in hit series like The Crown, Professor T, and The War Below as well.

Paul Giamatti plays Harold Levinson

Who is Harold Levinson? He’s an American businessman, also known as the brother of Lady Grantham. He arrives at Downton Abbey with information about a potentially critical financial predicament, which may affect the entire family.

Other notable projects featuring Paul Giamatti include “The Holdovers”, “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, “Saving Private Ryan”, “Man on the Moon”, “American Splendor”, “Sideways”, “Cinderella Man”, “The Ides of March”, “12 Years a Slave”, “Saving Mr. Banks”, “Love & Mercy”, “Straight Outta Compton” and “Private Life”. On television, he’s starred in “John Adams”, “Billions”, and an episode of “Black Mirror” titled “Eulogy”.

Joely Richardson plays Lady Petersfield

The socially prominent individual hosting a significant social event, who requests the departure of Lady Mary upon learning about her upcoming divorce.

What other productions has Joely Richardson been part of, aside from Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Ryan Murphy’s Nip/Tuck, The Patriot, 101 Dalmatians? Lately, she has been seen in The Sandman, The Gentlemen, One Day, and Renegade Nell.

Alessandro Nivola plays Gus Sambrook

Gus Sambrook is a financial advisor based in New York, known to be a friend of Cora’s brother Harold Levinson. He’s been offering Harold some advice that seems a bit dubious or suspicious.

Besides Alessandro Nivola’s role in Face/Off, Jurassic Park III, Junebug, Goal, Coco Before Chanel, American Hustle, Selma, A Most Violent Year, You Were Never Really Here, The Many Saints of Newark, The Room Next Door, The Brutalist, and the controversial Kraven the Hunter, he has also been featured in the BBC’s 2020 adaptation of Black Narcissus and the Apple TV+ series The Big Cigar.

Simon Russell Beale plays Sir Hector Moreland

Who is Sir Hector Moreland? The snobbish chairman of the County Fair Committee.

Has Simon Russell Beale appeared in any other notable works? This esteemed actor has won two BAFTAs, three Oliviers, and a Tony, among many other accolades. On television and film, he’s featured in Orlando, Persuasion, Hamlet, My Week with Marilyn, The Deep Blue Sea, The Death of Stalin, Mary Queen of Scots, Benediction, The Outfit, as well as the second season of House of the Dragon where he portrayed Ser Simon Strong.

Arty Froushan plays Noel Coward

Who is the renowned English dramatist, known for his appearance in the movie as a companion of Guy Dexter, who then attends a dinner party at Downton with him?

In addition to his recent role as Buck Cashman in Daredevil: Born Again, Arty Froushan has previously appeared as Jonah Breakspear in Carnival Row on Prime Video, and as Qarl Correy in House of the Dragon.

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2025-09-11 12:39