New study reveals that some actors from the popular series Downton Abbey share striking similarities with their on-screen characters in real life. The latest installment of the ITV period drama hit cinemas on September 12, and findings from Ancestry’s family history research shed light on the connections between actors’ family backgrounds and their roles in the show.
Michael Fox, known for his role as butler Andy Parker, has a lineage that includes a three-times-great-grandfather who worked as a butler and a great-great-grandfather who was a chauffeur, hinting at his destined path to portray a loyal footman. The discovery was made through marriage and census records.
Allen Leech, who played Chauffeur turned Estate Manager Tom Branson, hails from a family of principled public servants. An obituary from the Drogheda Independent in 1962 highlighted his great-grandfather Thomas Leech, an Irish peace commissioner recognized for his integrity, possibly serving as inspiration for Branson’s character.
Lesley Nichol, portraying Mrs. Patmore, the lovable figure in the Downton kitchen, has ancestors who were shepherds, butchers, and wine merchants, reflecting a genuine passion for food and drink akin to Mrs. Patmore’s persona.
In a historical record from the 1911 Census of England and Wales, Henry Thomas Isaac is listed as a butcher, mirroring the profession of his descendant.
Harry Hadden-Paton, who portrayed Bertie Pelham in the series, shares similarities with his character as an expert in estate management. His three-times-great-grandfather, a banker named Henry G Marquand, was involved in significant railroad ventures, potentially having the ability to rescue the Crawleys from financial crises, as revealed in a 1902 report from the Chicago Tribune.
Laura House, Ancestry’s DNA and Family History Expert, remarked on the close alignment between the personal histories of the cast and their roles in Downton Abbey, showcasing a range of captivating narratives from wartime heroes to dedicated cooks waiting to be unveiled in each family tree.
The latest film installment follows the Crawley family and their staff as they navigate the challenges of the 1930s era, with Lady Mary embroiled in a public scandal, financial woes looming over the family, and the household confronting social threats. As the staff prepares for a new era, the next generation is set to lead Downton Abbey into the future, embracing change and charting a new course.
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