Elizabeth McGovern jammed with Michelle Dockery and Michael C. Fox on the set of Downton Abbey.
Music on set
Elizabeth McGovern, better known as Cora Crawley, revealed at the New York City premiere that the sounds of guitar and flute were often heard on the set of Downton Abbey.
During lunch breaks or between shots, McGovern, 64, would bring her musical instruments—guitar, banjo and sometimes mandolin—with her.
One day, the toons playing outside her dressing room drew so many people that the reels erupted in applause that it felt like an improv jam concert, not an episode.
Michelle and Michael’s new tune
McGovern says her on-screen daughter, Michelle Dockery, also turned out to be a music enthusiast.
One day, Michelle shared the stage with Sadie and the Hotheads, and it made sense that there was a singer behind the character of Mary Crawley.
Such was the excitement on set last winter that Michelle and Michael C. Fox formed a small band called Michael & Michelle.
They released their first EP, The Watching Silence, in 2022, which included two songs inspired by Downton Abbey shooting breaks.
Lack of time for the Grand Finale
When filming began on Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the same musical magic was less evident on set.
McGovern says the film’s labor of love and complex set design left her with no time for picture breaks.
With advanced set changes for each scene, new cast sessions and location shifts, she wasn’t able to jam freely.
Still, she felt the team’s dedication brought the story to life and gave fans the classic glamour they’d come to expect.
An Emotional Journey
The grand finale brought a respectful end to McGovern’s 15-year journey, but the moments that followed also brought tears to her eyes.
The cast’s hugs, fist bumps and countless tears on the premiere’s red carpet proved that this was not just a TV show, but a family.
“We felt more love on set than we did on the show,” McGovern smiled.
Fan reactions also flooded social media, where old video clips and memes trended.
Friendship Continues
While Robert and Cora’s story seems to be coming to an end, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern’s friendship is just beginning.
They’re making plans for dinner dates, quick video calls and the next jam session.
McGovern believes the cast’s bond will always last, even when the camera lights are turned off.
So tell us—what’s your favorite Downton Abbey musical moment?
And which character would you want to have a jam session with on set?
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