A Downton Abbey actor recently discussed Maggie Smith’s absence from the final installment of the beloved period drama series. In an interview with Reach Screen Time, Raquel Cassidy, known for her role as lady’s maid Phyllis Baxter, shared insights on the atmosphere on set during the filming of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale without the iconic actress who portrayed Lady Violet Crawley.
Cassidy expressed how Smith’s presence was still felt by the cast despite her physical absence. The actress mentioned that references to Lady Violet in the script and the display of her portrait in Downton’s entrance hall kept Smith’s spirit alive on set.
Reflecting on bidding farewell to the show, Cassidy revealed her emotional journey, noting that she had already processed her feelings before the final filming. She described a touching moment during the script read-through, where the absence of Smith was deeply felt, emphasizing the privilege of being part of the production.
After wrapping up filming, Cassidy shared that she was overwhelmed with emotions and shed tears unexpectedly. She expressed gratitude for the experience and the impact of working on Downton Abbey.
Cassidy, a self-proclaimed fan of the series before joining the cast, expressed her understanding of the show’s enduring popularity. Looking ahead, she hinted at upcoming projects and expressed interest in exploring more period dramas in the future.
The article concluded with information about how to access Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale for viewing at home through digital platforms.