Downton Abbey star Matthew Goode has shared a great new story about the late Maggie Smith's favorite day on set. Dame Maggie Smith, who sadly passed away in September 2024, was an integral part of the Downton Abbey franchise. The iconic British actress won three Emmy Awards for playing Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, during the show's five-season run. Though Julian Fellowes' series was undoubtedly an ensemble show, Smith's portrayal of Violet was the undeniable highlight for many.