For fans of Downton Abbey, the final film feels bittersweet. It’s a fond farewell to beloved characters and a grand estate that stood tall through changing times. Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora, reflects on this passage of time. The show began in 2010. It feels like a different world now. As Cora ages alongside her husband, Lord Grantham, a new generation takes the spotlight as the 1930s approach.
But McGovern isn’t dwelling on sadness. “I’m excited about this new phase of my career,” she says. Beyond Cora, she has written a play titled Ava: The Secret Conversations, showcasing Hollywood legend Ava Gardner. The play debuts in major cities like New York and Toronto after a successful run in London. McGovern also has a folk-inspired album, marking a vibrant chapter in her artistic journey. “I feel like I’m just beginning,” she shares.
While filming Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, she experienced profound emotions. The loss of Maggie Smith, the iconic Dowager Countess, weighed heavily. Yet, McGovern believes Smith’s spirit lingers. “She’s still part of the atmosphere,” she explains. This absence allowed for more fluid narrative storytelling, though Smith’s essence remains ever-present.
Cora, usually in the background, reflects the struggle of women from that era. As an American heiress, her money helped run the estate, yet she lacked substantial power. “I wish she had more interesting stories,” McGovern admits, but understands the historical context. Cora embodies the hope and change that America represented at that time.
In today’s world, McGovern sees parallels. “If Cora were here now, she might be a wealthy liberal refugee,” she suggests, drawing a comparison to figures like Ellen DeGeneres who fled challenging political climates. McGovern, who has spent over three decades in the UK, feels dismayed by current US politics. “It’s a reality that has always existed,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of staying hopeful and active in preserving the values she holds dear.
Reflecting on her own career, McGovern took a unique path. She broke into Hollywood early, earning critical acclaim with roles in films like Ordinary People and Ragtime. “In the beginning, it didn’t seem that hard,” she recalls, but later realized the challenges of sustaining a career. “I was never desperate,” she adds, valuing her freedom to walk away from the industry when needed—a luxury many young women don’t have.
As her roles evolved from “the girlfriend” to “the perfect wife,” McGovern became frustrated with how women were portrayed. “It’s always from the man’s perspective,” she notes. These insights resonate as discussions on gender representation continue to gain traction in the industry.
Interestingly, McGovern’s experiences parallel the #MeToo movement, which highlights the challenges women face in Hollywood. Research shows that women in film often struggle for rich, complex roles, which remains an ongoing concern. According to a 2022 report by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, female characters are still significantly underrepresented in films and often sidelined.
While McGovern embraces her silver hair, she understands its rarity in Hollywood. “Society asks women my age to discuss their looks,” she laments but remains focused on her artistry. She left Hollywood for family life in London, balancing motherhood and creativity. Recently, she launched a band and is diving into writing screenplays—creating roles she wants to see.
Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic. She loved shows like Dying for Sex, which showcases female experiences, emphasizing the ongoing need for diverse narratives. “What can we do as women?” she says. “We must keep pushing forward.”
Overall, McGovern embodies the notion of resilience. “It’s a daily challenge to maintain a positive mindset,” she reflects, provocative and inspiring. “I choose not to accept the status quo. No way.”
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale premieres soon, along with her play, both showcasing the evolution of storytelling and the enduring spirit of its characters.
