Actor Harry Haden-Paton discusses his initial encounters with the illustrious Maggie Smith
In the grand finale of Downton Abbey, Harry Hadden-Paton, who portrayed Herbert Pelham, Marquess of Hexham, shared an unforgettable on-screen moment with the iconic Maggie Smith, who reprised her role as Violet Crawley.
Before they met on set, Hadden-Paton had never crossed paths with Smith. However, he described her as a talent, a fellow actor who loved acting, and an icon in the industry.
During their conversation, Smith expressed a strong dedication towards her work in the series and voiced a desire for a backstory for their characters, focusing on their relationship. This led to a significant meeting point in the series, which was highly anticipated by fans.
Hadden-Paton recalled a nervous first encounter with Smith during filming. To prepare, he took advice from Hugh Bonneville, who suggested paying extra attention to Smith's delivery and presence during their scene.
Smith, known for her stellar performances, undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Hadden-Paton. Their shared passion for acting made their encounter a memorable one, adding another layer of authenticity to the much-loved Downton Abbey series.
The Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was premiered on September 3, concluding the beloved series with a touch of the magic that only Smith and her fellow cast members could provide.
