The Most Famous Actor in "Downton Abbey", Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the actor you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 19, 2024 08:01

Fans of 'Downton Abbey', a show celebrated for its rich ensemble cast, often debate which actor stands out as the most iconic. By participating in a ranking, fans can express their admiration for the performers who brought their favorite characters to life. This act not only pays tribute to the actors' skills but also highlights which characters have made a lasting impact on viewers. As each vote is cast, a dynamic list of the most famous 'Downton Abbey' actors takes shape, reflecting the preferences of a global audience. This interactive process allows fans to see how their opinions compare with others and creates a fun, engaging way to keep the spirit of the show alive. So, cast your vote today and see where your favorite actors rank!

Who Is the Most Famous Actor in "Downton Abbey"?

1

43
votes
Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith - as the iconic Dowager Countess, she is one of the most beloved characters in the series, and has won numerous awards for her portrayal.
Maggie Smith in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Smith
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous cast member of Harry Potter
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous British actress
2

29
votes

Marie-Lan Nguyen · CC BY 2.5

Hugh Bonneville

Hugh Bonneville - as the patriarch of the Crawley family, Bonneville's performance is both commanding and nuanced.
3

5
votes

UKinUSA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Michelle Dockery

Michelle Dockery is as Lady Mary Crawley, Dockery's character goes through a dramatic transformation over the course of the series, and she delivers a stunning performance throughout.
4

17
votes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/minglemediatv/ · CC BY-SA 2.0

Dan Stevens

Dan Stevens is as Matthew Crawley, Stevens was an integral part of the show's early success, and his departure in season three was a major shock to fans.
Dan Stevens in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person named Dan
5

16
votes

De_Niro_McGovern_2012.jpg: Olivier06400 derivative work: JJ Georges · CC BY-SA 3.0

Elizabeth McGovern

Elizabeth McGovern is as Cora Crawley, McGovern's character is a steady presence throughout the series, and she delivers a powerful performance in the show's later seasons.
6

10
votes

Mingle Media TV · CC BY 2.0

Joanne Froggatt

Joanne Froggatt is as Anna Bates, Froggatt's character is one of the show's most popular, and she brings a depth and complexity to her role that is truly impressive.
7

16
votes

Minglemediatv · CC BY-SA 2.0

Jim Carter

Jim Carter - as Mr. Carson, Carter's character is the head butler at Downton Abbey, and his performance is both charming and commanding.
8

11
votes

Moonfilmsvideo · CC BY 3.0

Brendan Coyle

Brendan Coyle is as John Bates, Coyle's character is a fan favorite, and he delivers a powerful performance as the loyal valet to Lord Grantham.
9

1
votes

UKinUSA from Washington, D.C., USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Laura Carmichael

Laura Carmichael is as Lady Edith Crawley, Carmichael's character undergoes a dramatic transformation over the course of the series, and she delivers a powerful performance throughout.
10

8
votes

Richard Goldschmidt · CC BY-SA 3.0

Allen Leech

Allen Leech - as Tom Branson, Leech's character is one of the show's most compelling, and his performance as the Irish chauffeur who marries into the Crawley family is both nuanced and powerful.

Missing your favorite actor?

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Ranking factors for famous actor

Popularity

How well-known is the actor among general audiences?
Character arc

How significant was the role played by the actor in the overall story of the series, and how well did they carry it off?
Critical acclaim

Was the actor praised for their performance by critics?
Awards and nominations

Did the actor receive any awards or nominations for their work in "Downton Abbey"?
Post-"Downton Abbey" success

How well has the actor continued to do in their career after "Downton Abbey"?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous actor in "Downton Abbey". We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or actor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1852 views
145 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each actor once every 24 hours. The rank of each actor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous actor in "downton abbey"

Downton Abbey, the British period drama television series, follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in the early 20th century. The show, which premiered in 2010, quickly became a cultural phenomenon and a fan favorite. One of the reasons for its success was the talented cast of actors who brought the characters to life. Among them were some of the most famous actors in the industry, including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Michelle Dockery. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the actors of Downton Abbey and determine who the most famous actor in the show is.