MSN TV Blog - TV Buzz

Report: 'Downton Abbey' Won't Lose Maggie Smith

Dowager Countess staying put after all

By Corey Levitan Apr 17, 2012 2:03PM
telegraph.com

Maggie Smith is not moving upton. An unnamed representative for "Downton Abbey" says the actress has no immediate plans to stop portraying the show's popular Dowager Countess.

 

Bing: More about 'Downton Abbey'

 

A recent report in the U.K.'s Daily Mail announced that Smith, 77, asked to be killed off after the currently shooting third season, reportedly so she could return  to her stage and movie career.

 

Also: What shows will be returning next season?

 

However, the rep told the L.A. Times that there was "no truth" to that report.

Still, mystery remains. Executive producer Rebecca Eaton did tell the Orlando Sentinel that somebody, "pretty key in the cast," is going to die this upcoming season, which adds  Shirley MacLaine as the mother of Elizabeth McGovern's Cora.

Season 3 of "Downton Abbey" returns to the U.S. in January 2013 on PBS.  

< Back to TV Buzz Blog
User Picture
Write a comment...
7Comments
Diane
Apr 17, 2012 10:42PM
avatar
I am so glad to hear that Maggie Smith won't be leaving the show.  She is of course the Grand Dame of the show.  It will be a welcomed addition too to have Shirley MacLaine, because I think Maggie's character with the attitude about Americans, the Shirley MacLaine acting sort of like Molly Brown, might be an interesting combo.  It most likely will either be Thomas that will be deleted from the show or Carson.  Thomas did say that he spent more than what he had on those black market supplies.  Maybe some loan sharks come after him?  Carson's health has taken a few hits and it looks like it is leading up to a heart condition.  And, Mary just loves Carson like a second dad.  It will be interesting if Mrs. Crawley (Matthew's mother) and Dowager Countess of Grantham will be ganging up on Cora's mother.  Can't wait!!!!
august.flower
Apr 17, 2012 8:35PM
avatar
Hooray! I'm so glad 'Downton Abbey' won't lose Maggie Smith! She is the 'spice' of the show! It would be boring without her! She's also the 'star' of the show and I always love the scenes that she's in. Please see that she stays until the very end of 'Downton Abbey' to keep the show 'alive' and interesting too! We love Maggie Smith! She deserves all the accolades she receives as she is 'simply the best'! Thanks for the good news that she's still on the show as it wouldn't be the same without her.
Elle7979
Apr 17, 2012 6:51PM
avatar
I love Maggie Smith's wit, charm, and sarcasm!!  The show would not be the same without her.
Kay939
Apr 17, 2012 6:48PM
avatar
What if Mathew and Mary inherit, then Patrick becomes the actual proven heir, and he marries Lady Edith? Just a what-if, but it could happen.  
deedeebah
Apr 17, 2012 4:44PM
avatar
the g!reatest series I have ever seen in year can not wait for nextseason to begin
Sean Cote
Apr 17, 2012 4:12PM
avatar
In all likelihood, it will, unfortunately, probably be Lord Grantham who passes away in the third season. The Lord upon whom Grantham is based died in 1923, shortly after discovering King Tut's tomb with Howard Carter. They may develop an interesting plot device wherein Lord Grantham goes traveling and dies from an illness, or they may use some other dubious method. Either way, the fact that Matthew and Mary will inherit the estate is inevitable, even imminent, depending on how the writers decide to develop the story.
Big Fan 65
Apr 17, 2012 4:11PM
avatar

This is certainly good news!  I really like Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess.

Now, they really need to expand the role of Lady Rosemund.(?)  I think she can be made very interesting.  Let's hope they find a suitable husband for Lady Edith this season. 

Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

primetime tonight

tv news

More news

meet the bloggers

Deanna Barnert

Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.

Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.

follow msn tv