One of the most clever details in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale found a way to pay a subtle tribute to Dame Maggie Smith. Smith’s Violet Crawley was an essential part of the series, but her character pᴀssed away during the ending of Downton Abbey: A New Era. This death cast an enormous shadow over the new film.

This detail became even more emotional when Maggie Smith pᴀssed away in 2024 at the age of 89. Her loss has been felt throughout the industry, as Smith was one of the most beloved and talented performers for many decades. She won two Oscars for films she made in the 1960s and acted consistently throughout her life.

In Downton Abbey‘s last movie, real-life playwright Noël Coward plays a pivotal role. Played by Arty Froushan, the celebrated figure develops the story of Private Lives in the film, drawing inspiration from Mary’s divorce. While this gives the film a striking historical texture, it also serves as a wink to Maggie Smith’s own history.

Maggie Smith Starred In Noël Coward’s Private Lives On The West End & Broadway

Maggie Smith starred as Amanda Prynne in Noël Coward’s Private Lives, and was even nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in 1975. Following a series of sweet tributes to Violet Crawley in the film, this reference to Smith’s own body of work feels like an endearing nod toward the actor herself.

Private Lives first premiered in 1930, but the play built a strong legacy over the years, being consistently revived for the stage. The Amanda role was first played by Gertrude Taylor, but successive productions saw all kinds of actors taking on the part. These included Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins.

Smith first played the role in 1972 alongside Robert Stephens at London’s Queen’s Theatre. In 1975, the same production was moved to Broadway, with John Standing taking over as Elyot. In 1978, Smith played the role once again, reprising it for a performance at the Stratford Festival.

The play chronicles a divorced couple who find themselves in adjacent rooms while honeymooning with their new spouses. While there was no such directly cited inspiration for the play’s writing as Mary Crawley serves in the film, the topic of divorce is central to the story.

Private Lives was an important part of Smith’s stage career for many years, and it is sweet to see this subtly referenced in the story of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. The film clearly has great care for Violet Crawley as well as Smith herself, and it is so endearing to see that integrated in the story.