Elizabeth McGovern Doesn’t Think Her Downton Abbey Character Has Any Power Whatsoever

Cora has proven herself useful in “Downton Abbey,” whether it’s investing herself in the local hospital or attempting to keep the family together with the strongest of bandages, but frankly, her predicament is less than favorable, especially since Robert had originally married her for her money to keep Downton afloat. The hothead would practically be nothing without her, financially and emotionally. While speaking with Variety, McGovern reiterates the depths of inequality in her place among the Crawleys:

“She has no power even over their own money. It’s quite straining that and it goes across generations — when Cora’s children grow up and when Mary marries, Mary then completely takes over the running of her mother’s house. Cora very graciously steps aside. It’s a really interesting challenge for me, because it feels like I have absolutely no control or power, or really a role, in any way. Which is kind of a challenge to play. But it’s very real.”

While the Crawleys seemed to have stripped her of any meaningful role in the estate, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for the family. Although it must be insanely difficult when you’re married to someone like Robert. McGovern adds how her status inadvertently affects her daughters:

“I imagine today that if my two girls grew up and I was expected to step aside while they ran my own house, that would be a really serious adjustment for me. But it’s also interesting how Edith has a whole storyline now that she’s achieved this power, but still feels utterly powerless in her life. There’s nothing she has any control over.”