There's just something about Downton Abbey's Lady Mary. The prissy, prim, slightly rude but ultimately warm-hearted heiress-in-waiting is one of the main reasons we can't wait to tune in when our favorite period drama comes back this winter. Michelle Dockery, the woman who lends her graceful looks and acting chops to the role, sat down with Harper's Bazaar for a chat and a very, very small portion of fish. Turns out she's nothing like her haughty character (thank goodness!), although she does leave her hair in 1920s waves when she steps out between scenes.
Dockery got her start in the theater, starring as Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion, and she hasn't allowed herself to catch a tan since 2006 — got to maintain that aristocratic complexion for the show, natch. She's charmingly humble about her celebrity — to the point that she could hardly believe that Judd Apatow actually recognized her and wanted to meet. And, of course, we get her take on fashion then and now: She's glad to be out of the corsets, as the show is now moving into the '20s and out of those more constraining times, and she loves Ralph Lauren.
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This modern lady looks exactly like a present-day iteration of her character in the photos, clad in sleek, powerful ensembles that bring out a vampier side while still remaining true to Mary's reserved, classic persona. Although, Michelle apparently showed up to the interview looking flawless in jeans and a T-shirt. Where can we see those photos?
See more of this down-to-earth star after the jump, then check out the full interview at Harper's Bazaar (or pick up a print copy, out on newsstands August 21).
Photo: Courtesy of Harper's Bazaar.
Photo: Courtesy of Harper's Bazaar.
Photo: Courtesy of Harper's Bazaar.