We are only two weeks away people! How is the binge watching going? Have you completely tossed aside child-rearing, cleaning the house, and basic hygiene in order to catch up on the previous 5 seasons? Good! {Remember, they are totally FREE to stream for Prime members.}
In anticipation, I’ve decided to throw you some basic fun facts {fun is relative} about Downton Abbey, and its inhabitants. No need to thank me, just know that I do this for you:
- Did you know just 100 years ago, 1.5 million people were employed as servants? Yep, yep, I would not lie.
- Ever wonder why the actress, Elizabeth McGovern, that plays Cora Crawley looks so familiar? Well, she had a pretty successful career in America before relocation to England. She played opposite Kevin Bacon in the 80’s classic, She’s Having a Baby, and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Ragtime. She even kissed Brad Pitt {we have that in common} in her movie, The Favor.
- Before landing the role as Edith, actress Laura Carmichael was working as secretary in a doctor’s office.
- By season 3, Downton Abbey was the MOST watched series in the world. Pretty impressive.
- The actress who plays Lady Mary actually has too “blue collar” of an accent to play her role, so she had to work extensively to fix it.
- Each episode costs between 1 and 1.6 million dollars to make. Holy. Buckets.
- Hugh Bonneville {Robert Crawley} and Elizabeth McGovern {Cora Crawley} have played on-screen spouses before in a BBC series called Freezing.
- The servants quarters of the show are all in a studio, and not filmed in the actual Highclere Castle.
- The grandmother, Violet Crawley, is the best character. That is not an opinion, it’s fact. Look it up.
- Gillian Anderson from the X-Files was originally offered the role of Cora Crawley.
Okay, now get back to watching those first 5 seasons! Remember, season 6 premiers January 3rd on PBS.
~Mavis
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Gardenpat says
You will love Season 6! I’ve been fortunate enough to have watched it, including their annual fundraising parody for charity that the main characters do every year, bringing in lots of well known celebrities! This time, Gordon Ramsey (Masterchef) was one who appeared in their parody looking for a new Father Christmas for Downton Abbey!
Can’t wait to see the Christmas special which will be the “final” finale to Downton!
Lana says
This one is hilarious too! Here is the link if anyone wants to watch.
http://www.vulture.com/2015/12/watch-downton-abbeys-charity-christmas-short.html
Lana says
You must watch this! I hope this link works. https://www.facebook.com/triciamcrae.lester/videos/891350307544925/?theater
Gardenpat says
So fun, Lana! I missed seeing the one from last year!
Mrs. Chow says
Elizabeth McGovern was THE girl all the guys had a crush on. Her first big role was in the movie , Ordinary People, which was also the first movie directed by Robert Redford. It won Best Picture, best director, and best supporting actor for 18-19 year old Timothy Hutton. FANTASTIC movie that you must see!
Sue says
I’m sorry, but that Brad Pitt comment REQUIRES an explanation!! 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
I was joking of course. 😉
Helen in Meridian says
Chazz and I have been binge watching 3 episodes each Sunday and re-peat on Wednesday. Did you know that Elizabeth McGovern plays guitar in a band and opened for Sting? Also like her part in the show, she married an Englishman and lives over the pond.
Mavis Butterfield says
No way!! I had no idea she played guitar and opened for Sting. How cool is that?
Marcia says
Squeeee!! Can’t wait. Don’t have cable but get it on PBS.com
Renay says
She’s Having A Baby is one of my favorite movies. Best quote: “And in the end, I realized that I took more than I gave, I was trusted more than I trusted, and I was loved more than I loved. And what I was looking for was not to be found but to be made.”
And when he is looking at the granny preggers panties…LOL!!!