Lexington Native to Appear in Downton Abbey Season 3

The Season 2 finale of Downton Abbey aired just a few weeks ago on KET and now Downton Abbey fans will wait at least 11 months until the third season premieres. For those who have been not indoctrinated into the Downton Abbey fandom, it is PBS Masterpiece Classics series which centers around the life of an aristocratic family and their servants in Great Britain. The family has weathered the storm that was the first two decades of the 20th century including the Titanic, World War I, and personal scandal. The series has become such a hit and many Kentuckians will be delighted to know that one of our own has been cast in the third season.

Lucille Sharp, 21, is a Lexington native who attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) from 4th grade until 10th grade. After finished her high school career at Interlochen School for Performing Arts in Michigan, Sharp moved to London where she has been pursuing an acting career. Sharp looks a great deal like Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary Crawley on the series, so she definitely could pass as a Crawley cousin. However, her role will be Miss Reid, the maid of Lady Cora's mother, Martha Levinson. Shirley MacClaine will be debuting in that role when Season 3 premieres in early 2013.



KET Programming Director, Craig Cornwell, had this to say: 

"This Lexington connection should help build even more excitement for the next season of 'Downton Abbey,' which has been the most popular series of 'Masterpiece' in close to 20 years. Judging by our viewers' response, she'll be a local celebrity come next January."

The Herald-Leader noted that while Sharp was a SCAPA student, she appeared in many local shows including the 2007 Summerfest production of Romeo and Juliet, in which she played Juliet. She also performed in shows with the Lexington Children's Theater and Paragon Music Theatre.

Lucille Sharp is one of several new faces which will be seen on Downton Abbey. In addition to Sharp and Shirley MacClaine, Matt Milne (War Horse, Wrath of the Titans) will be debuting as a footman named Alfred. If he's a footman for the Crawleys, there will more than likely be a bit of tension between him and Thomas. Maybe he might even be a new love interest for young Daisy! I guess we'll see in January.

Who is your favorite character on Downton Abbey?

Images courtesy of Chevy Chaser and Herald Leader.