Hugh Bonneville, who since 2010 has played the role of Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, tells TT:
It's clear that one could do more, but I don't think so. The new film is called "grand finale" – I think it's the right time to put a stop to it now.
In the new and final film, Robert Crawley is tormented by the decision to scale down and let his daughter Mary take care of the castle. Mary has her own problems – the fact that she has divorced her husband makes her undesirable in the higher circles of 1930s England.
Economic problems
At the same time, Cora Crawley's brother Harold comes from the USA and brings with him major economic problems.
I think that one has recognized oneself in these characters, says Hugh Bonneville in response to the question of what has made the story so popular around the world.
Julian Fellowes, who created and wrote the series, tells about people who try to be good. It may not be entirely realistic, but it's a fictional story and there is an underlying passion for human ability. We all like to see a bloody horror movie or an action movie every now and then, but this has been a journey to a foreign world. The manuscript and of course the production design have created the success.
Initially, one was not at all sure that the series would be a success, Bonneville tells.
After episode four in the first round, I was at my son's school. His classmate came to me and said "I don't like butler Thomas". I thought "you're only ten, you shouldn't be up and watching this", Hugh Bonneville tells.
Then I began to understand. And overall, the story had a greater impact than I had thought. Even the younger audience took it to heart, all over the world. Over the years, we have received countless letters about how generations have sat together and watched "Downton Abbey".
"Friends for all eternity"
For many of the younger actors, the series has meant the big breakthrough. For Bonneville, it's different, he already had a very successful career, not least in the theater. How will he look back on the 15 years with "Downton Abbey" in ten years?
–With great warmth. It gave me opportunities like "Paddington" and getting to work with George Clooney. And it gave me a second family, people I hope to be able to keep as friends for all eternity.
Gunnar Rehlin/TT
Facts: Hugh Bonneville
TT
Age: 61 years.
Family: A son, girlfriend Heidi Kadlecova.
Lives: In Midhurst in England.
Occupation: Actor.
Previous roles in selection: "Tomorrow never dies", "Notting Hill", "Doctor Who", "Ben Hur", "Burke & Hare", "The monuments men", "Paddington", "Paddington 2", "Paddington in Peru", "Downton Abbey".
Current with: "Downton Abbey: The grand finale" which has a Swedish cinema premiere on 9/12.
