LAURA CARMICHAEL [DOWNTON ABBEY]
English actress LAURA CARMICHAEL who is best known for her performance as Lady Edith Crawley in the TV period drama series DOWNTON ABBEY and also in the recently released film of the same title. The 2019 film directed by Michael Engler follows the storyline from the series with most of the original cast returning.
In this exclusive interview, read on as CARMICHAEL tells us about getting back into the character of Lady Crawley after years of being away, her love for collaborating with people, and the recent book that she read that she keeps thinking about.
LAURA wears Jumpsuit: ROLAN MOURET & Earrings: VINTAGE
Tell us a little about your story. Who is Laura Carmichael?
Actor. Middle child. Twiglet lover.
What’s your favorite thing about being an actor?
Collaborating with so many people. I have been incredibly lucky to work with so many brilliantly talented actors, directors, writers, designers. You get together and make something. It's lush.
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSEPH SINCLAIR using HASSLEBLAD & PROFOTO, STYLING: ELLA-LOUISE GASKELL, ASSISTANT: HOLLY CHAPMAN, MAKEUP: JUSTINE JENKINS using HOURGLASS COSMETICS, HAIR: SVEN BAYERBACH @ CAROL HAYES MANAGEMENT, ASSISTANT: YUICHI UENO, LOCATION: THE GUARD HOUSE, ROYAL ARSENAL, LONDON
As an actor, what type of roles and genres do you normally gravitate towards?
I guess I look at the script as a whole. Does it feel truthful? Does it move you? And then can you find a way in to character?
Out of all the roles that you’ve played, do you have a specific favorite and why?
I love them all. It's sounds silly but it's too hard to choose.
When approaching a new role, what kind of preparation is involved for you to get into character?
It really depends on the project but it’s figuring out where the person has come from. What has led them to this point in the story.
LEFT: Shirt: MARY KATRANTZOU, Ear cuff: TADA AND TOY RIGHT: Dress & Gloves: ACNE, Boots: RUPERT SANDERSON, Earrings: VINTAGE
Was it easy getting back into the character of Lady Edith Crawley again after so many years?
It was really. Stepping back on to set felt like we had never been away. We grew up playing these characters so they feel so familiar to us all.
Describe the Downton Abbey film in 3 words.
Heart-warming fun.
LEFT: Trench Coat: NORMA KAMALI, Boots: RUPERT SANDERSON, Necklace & Earrings: DKNY RIGHT: Suit: NORMA KAMALI, Jewelry: VINTAGE
What’s the most memorable experience that you’ve had working on Downton Abbey?
Probably the first day working with Maggie. We were all so nervous but she was kind to us and immediately hilarious and naughty.
Any advice that you could give to any aspiring actors out there?
Trust your instincts. Keep at it.
LEFT: Shirt: BITE, Suit: ESCADA, Earrings: DKNY, Ear Cuff: TADA AND TOY, Shoes: RUPERT SANDERSON RIGHT: Suit: NORMA KAMALI, Jewelry: VINTAGE
What’s your dream project?
I'd love to work with Mark Rylance on absolutely anything and Stephen Graham, he's magic.
Aside from acting, what do you normally enjoy doing in your free time?
Pilates, walking the dog, drinking wine with friends and family.
If you were a book, what book or type of book would you be and why?
I'm not sure that it represents me as it's quite a sad book... but I read Stoner recently and loved it. It’s a beautiful book. I keep thinking about it.
See Laura reprising her role as Lady Edith Crawley in the Downton Abbey film in cinemas now.