Downton Abbey star looks unrecognisable with thick beard in new Netflix thriller
In a teaser for an upcoming Netflix suspense series, an actor previously known for his role on Downton Abbey appeared dramatically different, sporting a full, dense beard.
As an ardent fan, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming arrival of Netflix’s captivating crime drama, Dept. Q, hitting the platform tomorrow. This enthralling series is a Scottish adaptation, crafted from the acclaimed book series penned by Jussi Adler-Olsen.
In this show, the English actor switches from elegant living spaces to grim underground locations, playing the gruff detective with PTSD named Carl Morck. He’s attempting to unravel cold cases from his rundown workplace.
The actor is most recognized for his frequent portrayals of a tall, dark, and attractive character across various TV shows and movies throughout his distinguished career. Notably, he usually maintains an impeccable appearance in these roles.
However, his appearance has changed dramatically, as he now sports a rough beard in the latest drama. Can you guess who it might be?
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Matthew Goode, aged 47, is most famously recognized as the charming Henry Talbot, the race car driver and love interest of Lady Mary Crawley from Downton Abbey, is indeed the individual in question.
Additionally, he gained admiration by portraying society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon in the second season of the biographical drama series The Crown. This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
Over the years, this charming Brit has kept himself occupied by taking on a diverse range of roles. These have ranged from the chilling thrill of Stoker to the historical drama The Imitation Game, and more recently, venturing into the supernatural with A Discovery of Witches in 2018.
Regardless of his diverse work history, he wasn’t particularly famous, more like a hidden gem within Hollywood – a status that has only recently been exposed.
Matthew hails from Exeter, Devon, and is the youngest member of his family, which includes one full brother, as well as two half-brothers and a half-sister.
Anthony served as a geologist, while Jennifer combined her roles as a nurse with that of an amateur theater director.
In the tranquil suburbs of Surrey, I reside with my beloved wife, Sophie Dymoke – a former fashion industry professional – and our delightful brood: Matilda, aged 16, Teddie, 11, and the energetic Ralph, at nine years old.
Goode’s film debut came in 2002 with the television film Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.



It was during the year 2004 that he experienced his initial significant success, starring alongside popular American singer-actress Mandy Moore in the film “Chasing Liberty.” His character was a dashing and charming British secret agent tasked with safeguarding a rebellious U.S. First Daughter on the run.
His performance earned him a nomination for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout Movie Star.
The movie quickly grabbed the interest of Hollywood, leading him to be chosen for Woody Allen’s Match Point, starring alongside Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
Following that role, I had the privilege of playing Colin Fith’s beloved character, Jim, in “A Single Man.” Subsequently, I stepped into the realm of romantic comedies, partnering with the remarkable Amy Adams as Declan in “Leap Year.”
Or, if you prefer a more conversational tone:
After that part, guess who got cast as Colin Firth’s lover, Jim, in “A Single Man”? Then, I found myself in a rom-com alongside Amy Adams as Declan in “Leap Year”! Can you believe it? What a dream come true!
Matthew appeared in several films directed by Amma Asante, including Belle (2013), the Academy Award-nominated movie The Imitation Game featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, and Allied, a suspenseful war film starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard.
From then on, he continued to take on various characters. He played significant roles in ‘Brideshead Revisited’ and ‘Watchmen’, demonstrating an exceptional talent for immersing himself in vastly distinct personas, yet managing to maintain privacy in his personal life.
Additionally, he graced various TV shows, including becoming a cast member on the legal series The Good Wife between 2014 and 2015, where he played the intriguing character of Finn Polmar, a lawyer.


Nonetheless, it was the part in Downton Abbey that significantly boosted his acting career. Good joined the show during the last episode of Series 5, making his debut in the 2014 Christmas special, where he portrayed Henry Talbot – a prominent figure in society and skilled racing driver.
In the enchanting world of Downton Abbey, I found myself deeply captivated by the alluring Lady Mary Crawley, portrayed brilliantly by Michelle Dockery. As the series unfolded, I couldn’t help but find my heart entwined with hers, and by Series 6, I was no longer just a spectator; I became an integral part of their story, playing a pivotal role in the final full season of this magnificent ITV period drama.
Previously, there were reports that he had expressed interest in joining the well-known play several years ago, but at that point, it didn’t materialize. However, it was a project he worked on with Dockery that eventually paved the way for his casting.
In 2019, the initial Downton Abbey movie came out, and Matthew resumed his character, Henry Talbot, once more. However, because of time constraints during filming, his part was relatively minor, with him making a brief appearance towards the end.
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2025-05-29 12:20