If you’re a fan of historical dramas, then you’ve likely fallen under the spell of Downton Abbey, the series that has captivated audiences around the globe.
This iconic show is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a launching pad for many actors who found their big break here.
However, not every character remained in the Crawley household for the entire run.
Let’s dive into the stories of seven stars who bid farewell to Downton Abbey and explore the reasons behind their exits.
First on our list is Jessica Brown Findlay, who portrayed the beloved Lady Sybil Crawley.
As the youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, her character was known for her kindness and idealism.
Tragically, Lady Sybil dies in Season 3 after giving birth, marking a heartbreaking exit for Jessica.
Interestingly, her departure was planned from the start; she had expressed her intention to leave after three years, wanting to avoid being pigeonholed into one role.
“I didn’t want to fall into my comfort zone too much,” she shared about her decision.
Next up is Ed Speleers, who played the footman Jimmy Kent.
Known for his arrogance and charm, Jimmy was a character that stirred the pot during his time at Downton.
After three seasons, he was let go from the estate, with Speleers moving on to other projects, including a prominent role in the film Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.
Although he didn’t return for the Downton movie, he fondly remembers his time on the show as an incredible opportunity.
Then we have Amy Nuttall, who brought Ethel Parks to life.
Ethel’s story was a tragic one; she faced numerous struggles after an affair with a soldier led to her dismissal from Downton.
Initially leaving after Season 2, she later returned for another season as the writers felt there was more to explore with her character.
Ultimately, she departed again after Season 3 when Ethel’s arc reached its natural conclusion.
Rose Leslie, known for her role as Gwen Harding, also made waves during her time on the show.
Gwen was a housemaid with aspirations beyond domestic service, and her journey to becoming a typist resonated with many viewers.
Rose left the series once Gwen’s storyline concluded, but she made a guest appearance in Season 6, showcasing her character’s happy new life.
Leslie expressed satisfaction with how the writers developed Gwen’s character, embodying the spirit of determination and ambition.
Matt Milne, who was introduced as Alfred Nugent in the third season, had a promising start on the show.
His character was a timid footman who eventually left to pursue culinary training.
While Milne hasn’t landed major roles since then, he has kept busy with stage performances, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Dan Stevens’ exit was perhaps one of the most shocking moments in the series.
His character, Matthew Crawley, met a tragic end in a car accident shortly after the birth of his son.
Fans were heartbroken, but Stevens had his reasons for leaving.
He sought new opportunities and desired a broader range of roles.
Since departing, he has starred in various films, including The Guest and Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.
Thomas Howes played the sweet-natured William Mason, a character whose love story with Daisy tugged at the heartstrings.
Unfortunately, William’s life was cut short in Season 2 due to the war, leading to Howes’ exit from the series.
He left the show to avoid being typecast, and since then, he has appeared in productions like Anna Karenina and To Walk Invisible.
In other news from the Downton universe, Michelle Dockery, known for her role as Lady Mary Crawley, recently made her musical debut alongside co-star Michael Fox.
The duo, who bonded over their shared love for music while filming, performed together for the first time at a London venue.
Their partnership has blossomed into a folk duo, and fans are eager to see where this new venture leads them.
As for the future of Downton Abbey, the recent release of Downton Abbey: A New Era has left fans buzzing about the possibility of a sequel.
Creator Julian Fellowes hinted that if the audience responds positively, there could be more stories to tell.
With lingering plotlines and new family members introduced, it seems the Crawleys might not be done with us yet.
Lastly, Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith, has welcomed a baby boy named Luca with her boyfriend Michael Fox.
The couple, who met on set, have kept their relationship private but are reportedly enjoying parenthood.
Their love story is a delightful addition to the Downton legacy, reminding fans that magic can happen even off-screen.
It’s clear that while these actors may have left Downton Abbey, their journeys continue to unfold in exciting ways.
Whether through new roles or personal milestones, each star carries a piece of the beloved series with them.
Which of these departures do you remember most fondly?
