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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.  

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7Comments
Sean Cote
Apr 17, 2012 4:12PM
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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.
Diane
Apr 17, 2012 10:42PM
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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!!!!
Kay939
Apr 17, 2012 6:48PM
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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.  
august.flower
Apr 17, 2012 8:35PM
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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
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I love Maggie Smith's wit, charm, and sarcasm!!  The show would not be the same without her.
deedeebah
Apr 17, 2012 4:44PM
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the g!reatest series I have ever seen in year can not wait for nextseason to begin
Big Fan 65
Apr 17, 2012 4:11PM
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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. 

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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.

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