These days, meeting one of the principal players of the British TV sensation Downton Abbey almost feels like encountering one of The Beatles in the '60s. Instead of facing outbreaks of twisting and shouting by fans, however, the actors are more prone to be prodded for precious details of future episodes.
Alas, all are sworn to secrecy. That includes Penelope Wilton, 65, whose chic haircut and figure-flattering garb show only a slight hint of Isobel Crawley, her dowdy do-gooder on the glorified soap opera that follows the travails of an upper-crusty English family and its serving staff amid early 20th-century societal upheavals.
But Wilton's feathery vocal inflections immediately give her away as the mother of Matthew, the estate's presumptive heir. Her middle-class matron is a source of consternation for Maggie Smith, whose putdowns as the Dowager Countess account for much of the series' popularity.
"We're so pleased we are doing well here," says Wilton. Not that she hasn't had a career full of triumphs already, from conquering Shakespeare, Shaw and Beckett onstage to memorable screen roles as a middle-age pinup in 2003's Calendar Girls and a disapproving mum in Woody Allen's Match Point from 2005. But global fame is a different game altogether.
Today, she's in town to promote the just-opened The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a picturesque feel-good ensemble piece about seven British seniors — including seasoned stalwarts Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy—who pull up stakes to spend their retirement years in India. In a savvy move, promos for the film were shown on PBS when Downton's second season aired earlier this year, taking advantage of Wilton and Smith's participation in both. Looks as though such efforts are paying off: The film took in an impressive $737,000 in just 12 cities while up against superhero mash-up The Avengers.
'Downton' family addition
While talking up Marigold Hotel, Wilton does let a few non-spoilers out of the bag about Downton's third season that is currently in production. Mainly, she offers tidbits about newcomer Shirley MacLaine, who plays the American grandmother of Matthew's fiancée, Lady Mary. Yes, her character butts heads with Smith. "With all of us, actually," Wilton notes with a smile.
As for the Hollywood legend herself, MacLaine "was down to earth and good fun," Wilton says. "I think she found it all quite amusing.'' The Oscar winner for Terms of Endearment even got her Bob Fosse on. "We coaxed her to do a bit of Sweet Charity," referring to MacLaine's 1969 movie musical. "She did If They Could See Me Now."
Gives depth to 'Hotel' role
Marigold Hotel, directed by John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), is a phenomenon after closing in on $72.4 million overseas after beginning its run in February.
While most of the oldsters embark on a journey of self-discovery as they immerse themselves in Indian life, Wilton has perhaps the hardest role as Jean, the killjoy of the group who is steadfastly immune to the splendors of her exotic new home.
"She is a disappointed woman," Wilton says. "It would be unrealistic if everyone fell in love with India. People think that going somewhere new is going to change them, forgetting that they take themselves along. I find Jean finds herself difficult, not just other people. She is a mass of insecurities."
Madden customized the role for Wilton. "I've always extravagantly admired her as an actress," he says. "She's got an incredible poignancy and delicacy. And she's a brilliant comedian. Her character was originally a shrill cow for a lot of the film. Now she is brittle and absurd, but also has a tragic depth."
Last year, Wilton — a survivor of two bumpy marriages to respected actors, the late Daniel Massey and Ian Holm— juggled work on Downton Abbey with a London stage revival of A Delicate Balance. Now, the only role she's taking on other than Isobel is being a first-time grandmother.
"My daughter, Alice, is going to have a baby on the third of June and I am going to be around for that," says Wilton of her only child, whose father was Massey. "It's a boy. She's going to call him Dan after her father."
