Downton Abbey’s downstairs stars snub New York premiere – because they would be treated like servants

by

Americans might like to believe that Britain is a society obsessed with inviolable class divisions.

However, some insiders from Downton Abbey claim that American viewers exhibit a degree of snobbery themselves. They argue that these viewers seem uninterested or indifferent towards the characters who work below stairs within the show.

At the New York premiere of the period drama’s final movie, actors portraying servants were conspicuously missing last week. It seems they chose to stay away due to expectations that their roles and treatment would differ significantly from those playing the noble Crawley family.

According to the report, the higher-ups believed that American audiences weren’t particularly interested in the characters portraying servants. As a result, during the New York premiere, they requested that the hairstylists, makeup artists, and costume designers pay less attention to the actors playing these roles.

Some were instructed to style themselves, but the actors portraying the Crawleys were encouraged to truly stand out and excel in their performances.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel the chill of exclusion when I hear about the upstairs crew feeling overlooked due to a disagreement. This is likely why many of them chose to boycott the grand premiere, even though they were there in full force for the earlier UK event.

I was quite disappointed when some of my favorite actors didn’t join us on the U.S. tour, such as Lesley Nicol, the talented actress behind the character of cook Mrs. Patmore, and Jim Carter, who brings Mr. Carson, the distinguished butler, to life. Both are in their 70s, adding depth and authenticity to their roles.

Sophie McShera, aged 40, who is famously known as the kitchen maid Daisy, decided to stay at home following her remarks that “it seemed futile, as all Americans seem to view us as their servants.

Among the male cast members from downstairs, only Allen Leech, portraying Branson (the former chauffeur who married Lady Sybil and ascended the social ladder), was in attendance. Joining him were Joanne Froggatt and Raquel Cassidy, both known for their roles as the ladies’ maids in Downton Abbey.

Or:

Allen Leech, who plays Branson (the former chauffeur turned husband of Lady Sybil), was the only male cast member from downstairs at the event. Joanne Froggatt and Raquel Cassidy, both recognizable as the ladies’ maids in Downton Abbey, were also present.

The primary cast members from the Crawley family were prominently present, with Hugh Bonneville, aged 61, portraying Lord Grantham, and Elizabeth McGovern, age 64, his on-screen spouse, donning a sparkling pink-and-orange ensemble.

Michelle Dockery, aged 43 and expecting, sparkled in a black, off-the-shoulder gown designed by Dolce & Gabbana, as Laura Carmichael, 39, opted for a graceful beige wrap dress.

ITV and NBC Universal were asked for comment.

Read More

2025-09-14 01:49