Longtime Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens shares his thoughts on his departure from the beloved British series. Premiering on ITV in late 2010, this historical drama is set in a fictional country estate in Yorkshire and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family alongside their domestic staff during the post-Edwardian period.
Dan Stevens portrayed Mathew Crawley, a key character in the series until his departure in 2012, alongside a talented ensemble that included Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, and Jessica Brown Findlay.
Reflecting on his departure from Downton Abbey nearly 14 years ago, Stevens recently shared his thoughts in a media interview. The 43-year-old acknowledges that the choice to leave the show was accompanied by some discomfort and uncertainty, yet he asserts that the journey since his exit has been enjoyable.
According to Dan Stevens, “Embracing such risks certainly brings a sense of fear and unease, and a significant aspect of the journey is discovering what that entails and how it will unfold. When I set out, I had no answers to any of those inquiries, and it has been an enjoyable experience to uncover them gradually over the years. Not particularly. What I find wonderful is the lasting affection fans have for that show, and how new viewers continue to find it. I still receive messages every couple of weeks from someone who has just finished season three and is in shock over the events that unfolded. The love for that show is truly enduring, and I cherish my memories of it deeply.”
What Led To Dan Stevens’ Departure From Downton Abbey ?
Dan Stevens was a prominent character on Downton Abbey throughout his tenure on the beloved British drama. He appeared in three out of the show’s six seasons, with his tumultuous relationship with Lady Mary Talbot (played by Michelle Dockery) serving as a significant source of tension and a key element of the show’s allure during that period.
Ultimately, the two characters married and welcomed a child before Stevens’ character, Matthew Crawley, unexpectedly died in a car accident in the final episode of Season 3. The demise of Stevens’ character was not originally intended, but it was added after he chose to leave the show.
Several months following his departure, Stevens disclosed that he exited Downton Abbey due to having “creative itches left unscratched.” At the age of 43, he had originally committed to just three seasons when he joined the series, and once those seasons concluded, he opted to pursue other ventures.