Elizabeth Mcgovern shares musical memories with Downton Abbey co-stars
Elizabeth McGovern, known for her role in the hit series Downton Abbey, recently took a trip down memory lane and reminisced about some of her favourite musical moments behind the scenes of the show. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the actress revealed that there were plenty of music-filled moments during the filming of the beloved series.
McGovern disclosed that during the filming of Downton Abbey, she often brought her instruments on set, allowing her to jam out with her fellow cast members in between scenes. The 64-year-old actress mentioned, “I used to [play music] during the series… because there was much more time to hang around. So yes, there was a lot of that.” She added that co-stars Michelle Dockery and Michael C. Fox even joined her in these musical interludes.
The actress fondly recalled a particular instance where Dockery, who portrayed her onscreen daughter Mary Crawley, performed with her band, Sadie and the Hotheads, while on set. This experience led Dockery and Fox to form their own band behind the scenes, creating a fun and vibrant musical atmosphere on set.
In addition to their musical collaborations, Dockery and Fox released their debut EP titled The Watching Silence under the moniker Michael & Michelle back in 2022. Together, they showcased their musical talents beyond the confines of the Downton Abbey set.
However, the filming of the latest movie, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, did not provide as many opportunities for the cast to indulge in musical sessions due to time constraints. Despite this, McGovern expressed immense pride in the final film, stating, “I feel so proud of this movie. I feel like it’s the best one we’ve done by far.” She further shared her gratitude towards the loyal fans of the show for their continued support.
As the Downton Abbey journey comes to a poignant close with the release of The Grand Finale, McGovern reflected on the emotional farewells shared among the cast. She acknowledged the bittersweet nature of bidding adieu to her co-stars but remained optimistic about the possibility of future reunions.
Looking ahead, McGovern expressed confidence in reuniting with her fellow cast members, including Hugh Bonneville, who portrayed her husband Robert Crawley on the show. Despite the conclusion of their onscreen relationship, she believes that their off-screen bond will endure beyond the series.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is currently playing in cinemas, marking the culmination of a 15-year journey for McGovern within the Downton Abbey universe. For more exclusive insights from the cast, be sure to pick up a copy of PEOPLE’s special edition dedicated to Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
In conclusion, Elizabeth McGovern’s recollection of the musical camaraderie shared with her Downton Abbey co-stars offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes warmth and creativity that enriched the filming experience. Their musical collaborations not only added an extra dimension to the on-set dynamics but also underscored the strong bonds formed among the cast members over the years. As fans bid farewell to the iconic series, the memories of these musical moments serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of camaraderie that defined Downton Abbey both on and off the screen.