HUGE Downton Abbey star looks unrecognisable as she debuts a stunning new look on the set of her new TV series.
The critically acclaimed actress rose to fame in 1980 and was quickly recognised for her talent, leading to an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 981 adaptation of Ragtime.
Elizabeth, 63, is best known for playing Lady Cora Crawley in the hit period drama Downton Abbey but has most recently been seen filming her new fantasy series, The Talamasca.
For her new role as series regular Helen, Elizabeth has debuted a striking new look – silvery grey hair.
Elizabeth is best remembered for the jet-black hair she wore throughout her career.
But pictures from the set show that she’s embracing a new look. She can be seen donning an all black outfit with her shoulder-length straight hair stand out even more.
She has also been pictured with co-star Nicholas Denton, who plays the mysterious Guy Anatole.
The pair were filming scenes in Manchester, with the location doubling for Central Park, New York, where the series is set.
The series is based on a series of books from novelist Anne Rice, who also penned the book versions of Interview With the Vampire and Mayfair Witches.
Per the official description, The Talamasca will focus on “the men and women responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires, and other creatures scattered around the globe.”
It is slated to premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2025 in the U.S. and will most likely also come to the BBC in the U.K. as both Interview With the Vampire and Mayfair Witches did previously.
Elizabeth first rose to fame in 1980 after making her film debut in the family drama Ordinary People, which saw her share the screen with acting legends Donald Sutherland and Judd Hirsch.
She then went on to star in classics like Ragtime (1981), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), The Bedroom Window (1987) and the original adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale (1990).
Of course, her most notable role is playing Lady Cora Crawley in all six series of the period drama, as well as in two spin-off films.
Alongside the role in The Talamasca, Elizabeth will return to the big screen in 2025 as Cora for the third, currently untitled, Downton Abbey movie.
She will return alongside her long-time co-stars Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Joanne Froggatt, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
Sadly, not the entire cast will be returning as Dame Maggie Smith sadly passed away last month.
Elizabeth paid tribute to her co-star, whose character, Lady Violet, was killed off in the 2022 film Downton Abbey: A New Era.
She said she would miss the late actress who played her on-screen mother-in-law “so much.”
“All of you. All the pain and the fury. And the wit. And the loyalty. And the bravery,” she added on social media.
