DOWNTOWN Abbey’s third film is set to pay a ‘lasting tribute’ to one of its much loved stars.
Dame Maggie Smith passed away last month at the age of 89 once filming for the third movie in the franchise had wrapped.
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And now fellow star, Hugh Bonneville, has told how the movie will pay tribute to the prolific actress.
Maggie played Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey in the ITV series and subsequent films, becoming known for her acerbic wit and put-downs.
In the wake of her passing, several co-stars paid tribute to the Oscar-winning star with Hugh telling Virgin Radio UK that the third film would pay tribute to her.
He said: “We finished a third – and I think probably final – Downton Abbey film this summer, which will come out next September.”
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“That is a wonderful sort of closing off of all the stories, so it’s a proper film for the fans.”
He continued: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life.”
“She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”
The Paddington star had previously paid tribute to the late star by saying: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.”
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”
Another Downtown star Dan Stevens, who played Matthew Crawley, also described Maggie as “one of the greats.”
Michelle Dockery, who plays Mary Crawley, also paid tribute saying: “There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick.”
Downtown Abbey creator and writer Julian Fellowes said she was a joy to write for: “Subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking,” he said. “Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her.”
Dame Maggie’s career began in 1950, with starring roles in Harry Potter and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie among many others, and saw her go on to win two Oscars and eight Baftas.
Smith was married twice: to fellow actor Robert Stephens from 1967 to 1975, and to Beverley Cross from 1975 to his death in 1998.
The news of her passing was announced by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who said: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September.”
The third movie, written and directed by Julian Fellowes and Simon Curtis respectively is set for release on September 12, 2025.
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