Ladies of ‘Downton Abbey’ Take Los Angeles

By Susan Michals

: Getty; Michelle Dockery (left) and Joanne Froggatt

Last night, Audi celebrated this year’s Primetime Emmy nominees for Outstanding Performances. Amidst the swirl of American celebs and slick German machinery (the Audi’s were everywhere) were two lovely ladies – ones that we are used to seeing in costumes from turn of the 20^th century England. “Downton Abbey’s” Joanne Froggatt (head housemaid Anna) and Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) were the pinnacle of British grace and quite taken with not only the whole “Downton” phenomenon, but their wondrous reception stateside. The series is nominated for 11 awards.
And while the U.S. won’t get to see Season 2 of Julian Fellowes’s now iconic tale of what happens upstairs and downstairs at the stately country manor of the Earl and Countess of Grantham until January 2012, the Brits will be lucky enough to see it starting tomorrow night.
The two Downton ladies have been in town since Tuesday, hitting event after event, and L.A. parties are fab – what does one wear? “Tonight I’m in Victoria Beckham, I’m gunning for the Brits,” mused Dockery, who in person is every inch of lithe beauty. Dockery – whom we are used to seeing in a black and white dowdy maid’s uniform, was poured into a stunning black Herve Leger. But what about the big night on Sunday? Dockery will opt for a red Burberry gown. “Mine is like a champagne, long, gorgeous gown by Dolce and Gabbana,” said Dockery. While both have been to BAFTA they’re overjoyed with going to the Emmys. “You know how to do it right out here,” said Dockery.
“We’re all so thrilled – Julian included – and we were in the Guinness Book of Records,” (The Guinness Book of World Records this week confirmed it as the most critically acclaimed show on television) says Froggatt. “We all knew we were doing something amazing and Julian was the most amazing writer, but you never think it will come to something like this. And it’s young people, older generation – everyone across the board.”
What about Dame Maggie Smith? “I found to it to be a bit overwhelming at first,” said Dockery with a smile. “But she has a wonderful sense of humor and it really is such a privilege to act with her and I think I can speak for everyone – we really up our game when we’re in a scene with her.”