IN CONVERSATION WITH LAURA CARMICHAEL

interview by JANA LETONJA

British actress Laura Carmichael has captivated audiences across film, television, and stage with her thoughtful and versatile performances. Best known for her portrayal of Lady Edith Crawley in the award-winning ‘Downton Abbey’ series and films, she returned to the role one final time in ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’, which just released on 12th September. Beyond ‘Downton Abbey’, her career has spanned acclaimed roles in ‘The Secrets She Keeps’, ‘The Spanish Princess’, and theatre productions such as ‘Apologia’ and ‘The Maids’.

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suit SABINA BILENKO
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
jewellery BVLGARI

How does it feel to be stepping into Lady Edith’s shoes for the very last time in ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’?

It’s a strange feeling. When the TV series wrapped, that really felt like goodbye, and there was a certain freedom in that ending. The films, though, have always felt more like holidays with my friends. I know it will be emotional, but it feels like the right time to bring things to a close.

‘Downton Abbey’ has been part of your life for over a decade. What personal emotions came with filming the final scenes?

During the rehearsal for the last scene, I realised it was the final line of the film, and the final line we’d ever hear from these characters and I got really emotional. I think there were a lot of tears on this shoot.

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How was it reuniting with Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and the rest of the cast again?

It’s always a joy. We really have become like a family, constantly giggling, sharing stories in between takes. It’s such a gift to go to work with your mates and I will miss that

The new film is set in the 1930s, a time of great social change. How did these shifts affect Edith and the Crawley family in your view?

Julian has always written really strong women. We see Mary going through a divorce in this film, which in the 1930s was still considered scandalous. It affects not only Mary, but also the entire family and household staff at Downton. Edith is determined to use her influence to help and show how times were changing.

When you look back at your time on ‘Downton Abbey’, is there a single scene or storyline of Edith’s that stands out as most defining for you?

I loved when Edith found her voice as a writer. It was so fun to play her becoming a working woman.

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You’ve played a range of complex women, from Edith to Agatha Fyfle in ‘The Secrets She Keeps’. What draws you to these layered roles

I’m always looking for characters who feel truthful. I love it when a writer hints at the world that shaped a person, even without spelling out every detail. Both Edith and Agatha were women who weren’t immediately likeable, but you could see the layers of what made them who they are. That kind of complexity is always exciting to play.

You’ve worked across film, TV, and theatre. Do you have a preference for one medium, or do they each satisfy you in different ways? 

They each offer something different. TV and film are about intimacy. You can capture the smallest flicker of thought. Theatre is about energy and connection. There’s nothing like feeling the audience going along with you. It’s really special.

Theatre critics have often singled out your stage work as “deeply touching” and “nuanced.” What does performing live give you that screen acting doesn’t? 

Performing live gives you immediacy. There’s no retake, no edit. You and the audience are on that journey together, night after night.

Many of your characters navigate moments of vulnerability. How do you personally access and channel that emotional truth on screen? 

I guess really it’s about empathy and letting go. 

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top and trousers FENDI
belt SONIA PETROFF
shoes JIMMY CHOO
earrings and rings BVLGARI

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full look FERRARI STYLE
earrings MISHO

You’ve said before that you love roles with “unexpected edges.” Is there a dream role or genre you’d love to explore next? 

I really loved working on a thriller, there's so much you can play. Also comedy also really excites me. I’d love to explore that.

What excites you most about the next stage of your career, and what can you share with us about your upcoming projects

It's nice to have the freedom of ‘Downton Abbey’ wrapping. I'm going to enjoy the variety and possibilities. If I get my act together, there's something I'd like to produce, so we'll see.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent LAURA CARMICHAEL
photography LEE MALONE
styling KELVIN BARRON
makeup EMMA WHITE TURLE at The Wall Group
hair DAVIDE BARBIERI at A-Frame Agency
styling assistant LORNA LANE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
location THE FITZ W1