Matthew Goode, known for his role in Downton Abbey, has recounted a wonderful story about the late Dame Maggie Smith’s most cherished day on set. Sadly, Dame Maggie Smith passed away in September 2024, leaving behind a significant legacy within the Downton Abbey franchise. This legendary British actress earned three Emmy Awards for her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, throughout the show’s five-season journey. While Julian Fellowes’ series was certainly a collaborative effort, many viewers considered Smith’s performance as Violet to be the standout feature.
Maggie Smith’s legacy continues to be unwavering. Recently, one of her co-stars from Downton Abbey, Matthew Goode, who portrayed Henry Talbot, a racing driver and the eventual husband of Lady Mary Crawley, shared a delightful and humorous story about Maggie Smith and a notably unforgettable day on the set of Downton Abbey Season 6.
In a recent interview with a media channel, Matthew Goode reminisced about the experience of filming Mary and Henry’s wedding day.
According to Matthew Goode, “I had an extensive conversation with Michelle Dockery regarding our potential options. I believe we were considering requesting a minor rewrite or something similar. Ultimately, however, they decided to proceed without changes. It was a significant racecourse day, so everything was already scheduled, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to participate, which was unfortunate because I truly admire that cast. Being on set with Hugh [Bonneville] and Allen [Leech] was something special. I have wonderful memories from those filming days. In fact, we made Maggie Smith experience one of the best days of her life, as she mentioned. After leaving [set], she remarked, ‘I think that might’ve been my favorite day on a set ever.'”
Matthew Goode further said, “It was the wedding of our characters, and we filmed it very discreetly somewhere in the countryside. I believe it was near Oxford. Our green room, accommodating 20 actors, was actually the garden of a former Concorde pilot. This might sound quite unprofessional, and I admit it is a bit unprofessional, but it’s absolutely hilarious. He emerged with a bottle of rosé and simply placed it on the table—a bottle of Minuty, a delightful rosé from Aix-en-Provence. Naturally, the other actors glanced at it and said, ‘No. Well, obviously we can’t do that.’ I can be a bit cheeky. I’m not sure if that’s coming through or not. It was really hot, and I noticed the perspiration trickling down the bottle, so I said, ‘I’ll have a glass, thank you very much.’ I sat down and drank it rather quickly. Then I asked, ‘Is it alright if I have another one?’ That’s when I noticed all the other actors, especially those without any lines that day, in this large ensemble piece where none of us had much to do. So, we all began to drink. We polished off 22 bottles of rosé. No one was drunk, but my goodness, were we cheerful. And if you’ve made Maggie Smith happy, then it can’t be a bad thing. He was a true gentleman, and the house and garden were absolutely stunning. Plus, we provided them with great stories because suddenly they had a bunch of slightly tipsy, somewhat famous people in their garden having a fantastic time. They now have anecdotes for the rest of their lives. However, I wouldn’t do it again, just for any future producers who might be listening.”
Downton Abbey Will Not Be The Same Without Violet Crawley
Maggie Smith was a key figure in Downton Abbey throughout all six seasons and the first two films, a formidable presence who managed her occasionally tumultuous family with her sharp wit and a blend of stern yet just judgment. She truly embodied the comedic essence of the series.
While the second film provided her character with a poignant and bittersweet farewell, her absence deeply felt in the third and final installment, Downton Abbey – The Grand Finale. It will be fascinating to observe how her family navigates the estate and their intricate lives in her absence.
Maggie Smith Is Undeniably A British Acting Legend & There’s A Good Reason For That
Maggie Smith embodied grace, humor, and wit, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to every role, even during times of illness, whether in an Emmy-winning period drama, a blockbuster fantasy series, or a charming British indie film.
As a true icon on both stage and screen, she possessed an extraordinary presence, a penetrating gaze, and a remarkable emotional depth. While we all cherish her performances in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, she also shone brightly in films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Gosford Park, Sister Act, and countless others.
Matthew Goode’s story offers a charming way to honor this legendary actress. We believe Violet Crawley would have given her approval on that day of filming as well.
Although the Dowager Countess’ narrative in Downton Abbey concluded with the last film, Downton Abbey – A New Era, experiencing the new movie without the late Dame Maggie Smith has undoubtedly evoke even deeper emotions.