Harry Hadden-Paton Discusses His Experience with Maggie Smith on Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey star Harry Hadden-Paton is sharing his experiences of working with the late Maggie Smith.

“She was such a significant part of the show,” Hadden-Paton, 44, told Us Weekly exclusively on Tuesday, September 8, prior to the release of his new film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

“As soon as we gathered around the table, everyone was like, ‘Should we text Maggie? Should we send her a picture? She’s just everywhere,’” he continued. “And physically, there was a portrait of her keeping an eye on us, ensuring we behaved. She could be quite intimidating, but she had the heart of an actress. When you connected with her as an actor, that’s when she truly shone.”

The cherished actress and Harry Potter star passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89.

“She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27. She was deeply private and surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are heartbroken over the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother,” her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, stated in an announcement to the BBC at that time, confirming their mother’s death. “We would like to extend our gratitude to the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unwavering kindness during her final days.”

They concluded with thanks for “all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

Smith was a key figure on the acclaimed series Downton Abbey, beloved for her portrayal of the Dowager Countess, a role that earned her four Emmy Awards. Hadden-Paton confessed that without the iconic actress on set, the atmosphere felt somewhat less tense.

“It was a bit more relaxed,” he shared. “And things moved along more quickly.”

However, Hadden-Paton’s co-star, Kevin Doyle, mentioned to Us that the cast and crew found ways to honor Smith during filming.

“Her presence is felt throughout,” Doyle, 65, remarked on Tuesday. “She’s actually seen in [the movie], which is wonderful. We were very mindful while making it that she wasn’t with us, and that was quite poignant.”

He added, “We just did our best — you can’t fill the void she left, so you strive to produce the best work possible. That’s what she would expect.”

Both Hadden-Paton and Doyle vividly recall their time with Smith on the TV series.

“I’m not sure how many awards or Oscars she had — she had a lot — but she never wore them like a badge,” he reflected on Smith, who won two Oscars, over 100 accolades, and was on her way to achieving a coveted EGOT before her passing.

“She was as dedicated as anyone else and gave her all in the same way any professional would,” he added. “That’s what she expected from everyone else. She loved being part of the company and cherished the girls around her.”