Hugh Bonneville Reflects on Working with Dame Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey: A Tribute to an Iconic Performance
Hugh Bonneville, known for his role in Paddington, shared his thoughts on a particular line in the latest Downton Abbey movie. In the film, his character, Robert Crawley, reacts to a reference to "the weekend" made by Michelle Dockery's character. The line was a nod to Dame Maggie Smith's character's disdain for weekends in the original TV series. Hugh confessed that he was not a fan of delivering that specific line and hoped it would be removed from the final cut.
Reflecting on his experience working with Dame Maggie Smith on Downton Abbey, Hugh expressed admiration for her talent and dedication to the role. Despite her initial reservations about the show, he believed she grew to love it and cherished the time spent with her co-stars. Hugh described Dame Maggie's on-set presence as captivating, noting her perfectionism and occasional frustration with her performance. He praised her ability to elevate a scene with a touch of brilliance that was innate and unmatched.
In conclusion, Hugh Bonneville's candid remarks shed light on the challenges of referencing Dame Maggie Smith's iconic portrayal in the latest Downton Abbey film. His admiration for her talent and the unique dynamic she brought to the set underscored the lasting impact of her performance on the beloved series.