Matthew Goode joined the cast of ‘Downton Abbey‘ during its fifth season, portraying Henry Talbot, who eventually became Lady Mary Crawley’s second husband, Michelle Dockery’s character. In the first ‘Downton Abbey’ film, Goode made a brief appearance but was not present in ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’. He will also be missing from ‘Downton: Abbey: The Grand Finale’, scheduled for release in 2025. Although it’s unfortunate that Henry won’t be part of the final chapter, I cherish the anecdote he recently shared about his role in providing the late Maggie Smith with her “best day on set” during the original series.
Actor Goode is actively promoting his latest TV series titled “Dept. Q,” now available for streaming via Netflix. In an engaging conversation with Deadline, he shared intriguing anecdotes from the set of “Downton Abbey.” Among these tales was a memorable incident involving Smith, who portrayed Lady Violet Crawley in the series. Kicking off the discussion, Goode reminisced:
In a playful manner, let’s rephrase the given text: The scene was our characters’ wedding, which we filmed in a clandestine location out in the countryside. I believe it was near Oxford. Quite unconventionally, our green room for twenty actors turned out to be an ex-Concorde pilot’s garden. Now, this might sound a bit casual and perhaps even unprofessional, but it added a touch of humor. He emerged with a bottle of rosé, specifically Minuty from Aix-en-Provence, and casually placed it on the table. The other actors were taken aback at first, but eventually, they acquiesced to this spontaneous moment. To be honest, I can’t help but be mischievous sometimes. I hope you can appreciate the humor in my actions, though it may not be immediately clear. It was a scorching day, and the bottle seemed to be sweating as perspiration rolled down its sides. I couldn’t resist asking for a glass, which he kindly poured for me.
As a keen observer, I’d say, it’s generally unwise to indulge in drinks while at work, especially when you’re an actor expected to deliver countless lines. But considering the scorching heat and perhaps Matthew Goode not having immediate camera duties, I can understand his request for a glass of rosé. His words echoed the same sentiment:
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself savoring it rather hastily and exclaimed, “May I have another round?” Then, as the day wore on, it seemed like all the other cast members, especially those with fewer lines that day, joined in the fun. It was more of an ensemble piece where we didn’t have much to do individually, but collectively, we made quite an impression. We polished off 22 bottles of rosé, and while no one was tipsy, there was a certain joyous camaraderie that filled the set. And if I managed to put a smile on the face of the legendary Maggie Smith, then surely it must have been the right thing to do.
It’s great that Maggie Smith enjoyed the spontaneous antics fueled by alcohol that day, so it seems Matthew Goode deserves praise for choosing to partake. If the actors and extras needed to be ready for scenes right after, it could have turned into a catastrophe. Fortunately, Maggie Smith went home with a treasured memory from that day, and it appears the event still holds significance for Goode. He later commented on the pilot who tended the garden, saying…
He was a gracious host and their residence, along with its beautiful garden, were equally impressive. We provided them with captivating stories that led to an unexpected gathering of semi-intoxicated celebrities in their backyard, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. However, I wouldn’t recommend repeating such an event for any future organizers who might be listening.
It’s sensible for him to offer guarantees that this isn’t a habitual action from him. At least now, fans of Downton Abbey have another heartwarming memory associated with Maggie Smith’s life. Maggie Smith’s journey in the series concluded when she passed away in 1928, surrounded by her dear ones, in Downton Abbey: A New Era, which was released in May 2022. Regrettably, in September 2024, at the age of 89, Maggie Smith breathed her last.
(I’ve tried to keep the same structure and tone, while also providing more context about the character and the movie release dates.)
Though both the actress (Maggie Smith) and her character have departed, the final installment of Downton Abbey, titled “The Grand Finale,” will offer a heartfelt tribute to Maggie Smith. According to Michelle Dockery, it’s a genuine tribute indeed. The manner in which this tribute unfolds will be revealed when “The Grand Finale” hits screens on September 12. Don’t miss out on the original series; catch it on Peacock!
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2025-06-10 07:07