British ensemble series "Downton Abbey" was a mega-hit,
yet sadly, we've already lost too many of its actors. Here are some of the familiar
"Downton Abbey" faces who have since passed on, along with where you've seen them in the show.
Terence Harvey played Downton's estate manager, Mr. Jarvis, who had worked for the Crawley family
since 1880. Harvey had several memorable scenes during his appearance in Season 3,
when Jarvis resists Matthew Crawley's attempts to modernize the Downton estate.
As Matthew criticizes the lack of progression at Downton,
he points to the way the estate has been run, which deeply offends Jarvis.
"Am I to stand here after 40 years of loyal service to be accused of
malfeasance and corruption?"
Although Matthew and Lord Grantham both apologize for causing offense, Jarvis
abruptly makes up his mind to leave. Before he departs, he issues a strange warning to Matthew:
"I am the old broom Mr. Crawley, you are the new. I wish you luck with your sweeping."
Though Harvey never returned to "Downton Abbey," he did go on to work with Hugh Bonneville again
in the 2017 film "Viceroy's House." Prior to appearing in the British period drama,
the actor also racked up credits in popular British soaps, including "Hollyoaks,"
"Eastenders," and "Holby City." Harvey died suddenly at the age of 72 in 2017.
Bernard Gallagher played recurring character William "Bill" Molesley in "Downton Abbey."
Molesley could usually be seen tending to his exquisite rose garden or offering advice to his
son Joseph. Gallagher portrayed a loyal and caring father who does whatever he can to help his son.
Gallagher's most memorable moments come in Episode 5 of the first season, when Molesley competes in
the Downton Village Flower Show against the Dowager Countess of Grantham. After a few
eye-opening conversations, the Dowager discovers that she is automatically being awarded the
Grantham Cup for "Best Bloom In the Village" every year because of her title and reputation.
In a very touching and surprising scene, the Dowager takes herself out of the running
and announces Molesley's victory. He quietly acknowledges her sacrifice, saying,
"Thank you my lady. Thank you for letting me have it."
Before appearing in "Downton Abbey," Gallagher enjoyed an acting career spanning more than half
a century. He had a long history in the theater, making his stage debut in 1956
and later gained small screen roles in popular shows like "Casualty,"
"Eastenders," and "Doctors." Gallager died of pneumonia on November 27, 2016, at the age of 87.
Critically acclaimed British actor Tim Pigott-Smith had a small but memorable role in
the third season of "Downton Abbey". He played Sir Philip Tapsell, a specialist obstetrician
recommended by the Dowager Countess of Grantham to oversee Lady Sybil Branson through childbirth.
However, Tapsell's arrival at Downton Abbey causes conflict when he disagrees with the family's usual
physician, Doctor Clarkson. Clarkson fears that Sybil is suffering from a dangerous condition
and needs to deliver the baby immediately, whereas Tapsell is convinced everything is fine.
"There is no danger whatsoever."
Despite Clarkson's worry that Sybil is suffering from eclampsia,
Tapsell's certainty that Clarkson is wrong prevents the family from taking her to the
hospital. Unfortunately for everyone, Clarkson was right, and she dies after giving birth.
Though Pigott-Smith only guest-starred in the one episode, his contribution to "Downton
Abbey's" legacy was pivotal. The consequences of Sybil's death reverberated throughout the series,
affecting all of the main cast in significant ways.
Pigott-Smith sadly died in April 2017 at the age of 70. In the year prior,
the actor was made an OBE, or an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, by
Her Majesty The Queen. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for his role in "King Charles III."
Nicky Henson joined the cast of "Downton Abbey" in season 1 as the broken-down former stage
entertainer Charles Grigg. Grigg arrives in the first season looking for money and
a place to hide after committing a petty crime. He forces the Crawley's butler, Carson, to help
him by threatening to reveal his former friend's theatrical past. It turns out the pair used to
perform as "The Cheerful Charlies" duo. However, Lord Grantham eventually sends Grigg packing.
Grigg later returns in Season 4 hoping to make amends with Carson. His reappearance brings up
past trauma for Carson, but they work through it, and the pair eventually part as friends.
Like his "Downton Abbey" character, Henson spent most of his career on the stage,
performing in classics like "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
He also had a very memorable appearance on "Fawlty Towers" as Mr. Johnson,
a hotel guest hiding women in his room right under the nose of Basil Fawlty.
In 2019, Henson died of cancer-related complications after living with the
disease for almost twenty years. The year before, the actor had said,
"For the last 18 years, I've regarded myself as being in extra time,
which I never expected to have, so I'm very thankful for it."
Christopher Rozycki played Count Nikolai Rostov in the fifth season of "Downton Abbey." Rostov
is one of several Russian refugees whom Lady Rose is trying to help. In Episode 3,
Rose invites them to Downton for tea, but their arrival inadvertently reveals a secret about
the Dowager. She admits she almost left her husband many years before for Prince Kuragin,
who is now a refugee. The episode highlights the Crawley family's sympathy toward the
Russian monarchy and shows how deep their ties to other elite families are.
Rozycki didn't get the opportunity to return to "Downton Abbey" after
his three-episode stint on the series because, in 2015, he sadly died after an
accidental fall at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife Joanna Hole and their four children.
"Downton Abbey" was one of Rozycki's last roles before he died. The others were a guest appearance
in the comedy-drama "Stella" and a supporting role in docu-drama "The Honorable Rebel." Before
appearing in the period drama, Rozycki had a main role in prime-time medical drama "Casualty."
Actor and singer Jane Wenham was best known for her theater roles in London's West
End stage house The Old Vic. After a successful career that spanned over six decades, she died
at the age of 90 in 2018. Wenham was a versatile actor who performed everything from Shakespeare to
Sophocles and anything in between. She quickly transitioned into television and film too,
scoring guest roles on shows like "General Hospital" and "Inspector Morse."
In "Downton Abbey," Wenham played Mrs. Bates, the mother of John Bates.
She appeared in Season 1 when she met with Anna Smith to expose Bates' estranged wife
Vera's criminal past. Her son took the blame for his wife's crimes out of guilt.
"He felt he'd ruined Vera's life, Miss Smith."
"Do you agree with him?"
"No, I thought she was a nasty piece of work."
Though Mrs. Bates only had a brief appearance on "Downton Abbey,"
she helped to set the relationship of one of the series' favorite couples in motion.
Their meeting confirms Anna's steadfast belief that Bates is a good man,
and it gives her hope that the pair could have a future together.
Ronald Pickup was best known for his role as Norman Cousins in "The Best Exotic Marigold
Hotel" and its sequel. However, "Downton Abbey" fans will remember Pickup for his guest appearance
as Sir Michael Reresby in the sixth and final season of the show. Reresby is introduced in
Episode 3 as an eccentric old man in need of a butler for his dilapidated estate, Dryden Park.
Lord Grantham and Mr. Carson encourage the Downton under-butler, Thomas Barrow,
to interview for the job as a means to downsize staff at the Abbey.
Reresby is initially thrilled to have Barrow as his new butler.
But after Barrow points out his job advertisement doesn't quite match the job description,
Reresby jumps to assuming his political leanings.
"I can't risk a republican in this household when anyone might call."
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm not quite up to it, philosophically."
The pair quickly part ways. However, this appearance on "Downton Abbey" was just a stop
along the way for Pickup, who has a long list of credits under his belt, including supporting roles
in other prominent period dramas. The actor played the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Netflix series
"The Crown" and former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in "The Darkest Hour."
On February 24, 2021, Pickup died peacefully after a long illness. His agent provided a statement,
saying the actor passed away, quote, "surrounded by his wife and family. He will be deeply missed".
After failing to get the job with Sir Michael Reresby at Dryden Park, Thomas Barrow is hired
by Sir Mark Stiles, played by Belfast-born actor James "Jimmy" Greene. Greene appears in the last
episode of Season Six but is somewhat of a trying boss for Barrow, who is underwhelmed
by his new job. Sir Mark clearly likes for things to be done properly and is not happy
that Barrow is letting his duties fall to another member of the staff when he needs an evening off.
"Mrs. Jenkins will carry up the tea."
"The cook carrying the tea into the drawing-room?"
Luckily for Barrow, that's the last we see of Sir Mark as Barrow is enticed back to
Downton Abbey to replace Carson, who decides it is time to retire.
Prior to his guest appearance in "Downton Abbey," Greene had been busy bagging roles
in a variety of popular British shows like "Merlin," "Doctor Who," and "Call the Midwife"
He also appeared in feature films like "Sherlock Holmes" and "Les Misérables."
During his 40 year career, Greene also spent time performing on London's West End.
In January 2021, at the age of 89,
Greene died after briefly suffering from an undisclosed illness. He is remembered
by the Belfast Telegraph as a, quote, "staple of TV and film for many years."
Check out one of our newest videos right here! Plus,
even more Nicki Swift videos about your favorite celebrities are coming soon.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so you don't miss a single one.