“‘Downton Abbey’ cast and creators pay tribute to Maggie Smith”

Maggie Smith, who died on Friday at the age of 89, won three Primetime Emmy Awards for her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in all six seasons of the British period drama Downton Abbey. She also reprized her role in the two Downton Abbey Movies: Your character died in 2022 Downton Abbey: A New Era.

Downton Abbey Creator Julian Fellowes is among those who paid tribute to Smith, releasing the following statement: “Maggie Smith was a truly great actress and we were more than fortunate to be part of the final act of her outstanding career.” It was a pleasure, writing for them is subtle, complex, intelligent, funny and heartbreaking. Working with her was the greatest privilege of my career and I will never forget it.”

Gareth Neame of Carnival Films, executive producer of Downton Abbey series and producer, Downton Abbey Films, issued a statement regarding his working relationship with Smith and his personal connection to the actor.

“Maggie Smith was one of the greatest actresses of our time and a beloved member of the Downton family,” Neame wrote. “As Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Maggie created one of the finest screen performances we have seen across six seasons of the television series and two films over 12 years. The entire cast and crew of Downton Abbey I felt it was a great honor to work with her, she was an actress of such caliber whose incredible talent could encompass both great comedies and full-blown tragedies. Off-screen, she was particularly close with the cast playing the other members of her family and was very generous and full of encouragement to the younger actors. It is personally poignant to me that my late grandfather directed one of her best performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, for which she won her first Oscar. Jean Brodie and Violet Grantham are just two creations of an extraordinary career that has spanned decades and delighted audiences around the world. There is only one Maggie Smith and we will miss her dearly. Our thoughts are with her family.”

Michelle Dockery, who portrayed Lady Mary Crowley, said in a statement to Deadline: “There was no one like Maggie. I am very lucky to have met such an outsider. She will be missed very much and my thoughts are with her family.”

Hugh Bonneville, who played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, the actor’s son, in the series, wrote in a statement to the media: “Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will know her keen eye, sharp mind and confirm her impressive talent.”

“She was a true legend of her generation and will thankfully live on in so many great film performances. My condolences go out to her boys and family.”

Dan Stevens, who played Matthew Crawley, wrote of Smith: “Truly one of the greats. RIP” on Instagram.

We will post further updates if/when they become available.