7 Ways Elizabeth McGovern Is Redefining Her Career In 2025: From Lady Cora To Hollywood Playwright And Rock Musician

Elizabeth McGovern, the beloved American actress best known to a global audience as the elegant Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, is currently undergoing one of the most fascinating career metamorphoses in Hollywood. As of December 2025, the veteran star is not just wrapping up a major chapter of her life with the highly anticipated final *Downton Abbey* film, but she is also simultaneously dominating the stage as a writer, stepping into the world of high fashion, and preparing to release new music with her band. This period marks a definitive pivot for McGovern, showcasing her immense versatility far beyond the confines of a British stately home.

The transition from a period drama icon to a multi-hyphenate creator is a testament to McGovern’s enduring artistic curiosity and drive. With the imminent release of *Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale* and her critically acclaimed play about Hollywood legend Ava Gardner, the actress is proving that her most dynamic and creatively fulfilling years are still ahead. Fans are eager to see how she navigates this new landscape of acting, writing, music, and even modeling.

Elizabeth McGovern: A Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Elizabeth Lee McGovern
• Date of Birth: July 18, 1961
• Place of Birth: Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Simon Curtis (m. 1992), English film director and producer
• Children: Two daughters, Matilda and Grace
• Education: Attended the Juilliard School and the American Conservatory Theater
• Key Role: Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, in *Downton Abbey* (2010–2015) and subsequent films.
• Major Awards/Nominations: Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (for *Ragtime*), three Golden Globe Award nominations, Screen Actors Guild Award (for *Downton Abbey* ensemble).
• Other Notable Films: *Ordinary People* (1980), *Once Upon a Time in America* (1984), *The Bedroom Window* (1987).
• Musical Career: Lead singer and songwriter for the band, Sadie and the Hotheads.

The Grand Finale and the End of the Crawley Era

For over a decade, Elizabeth McGovern has been synonymous with Cora Crawley, the American heiress who marries into the British aristocracy. The character’s journey from outsider to matriarch of the Crawley family has been a core element of the *Downton Abbey* phenomenon. The upcoming film, *Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale*, set for release in 2025, is poised to be the final farewell to the beloved characters and the sweeping period drama that captivated millions worldwide. [cite: 4, Step 2]

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This final installment is significant not only for the narrative closure it will provide but also for the emotional weight it carries for the cast. McGovern has spoken publicly about the bittersweet experience of filming the last movie, particularly following the passing of co-star Dame Maggie Smith in September 2024. [cite: 13, Step 1] The absence of the iconic Dowager Countess, played by Smith, was deeply felt on set, adding a layer of poignancy to the conclusion of the series. The *Downton Abbey* franchise, which includes the television series, the 2019 film, and *Downton Abbey: A New Era* (2022), has cemented McGovern’s place in television history, but the finale is now paving the way for her to explore new creative avenues.

7 Ways Elizabeth McGovern is Redefining Her Career in 2025

McGovern’s career post-Downton is a masterclass in professional reinvention. She is actively pursuing her passions in writing, music, and fashion, demonstrating a fearless approach to artistic expression.

1. Writing and Starring in a Hit Play: The Ava Gardner Story

One of McGovern’s most ambitious and personal projects is the play she wrote and stars in, *Ava: The Secret Conversations*. The play focuses on the tumultuous life of classic Hollywood screen siren Ava Gardner, based on her candid and explosive interviews with journalist Peter Evans. [cite: 9, Step 1; 11, Step 1]

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This project represents a major creative pivot, moving her from acting in a role to creating the entire world of a stage production. It has been a critical success, with runs in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Toronto throughout 2024 and 2025. [cite: 1, 2, 3, Step 2] McGovern's portrayal of Gardner, a departure from the reserved Lady Cora, showcases her range and her deep understanding of complex, powerful female figures.

2. The Surprising Move to High-Fashion Modeling

In a move that caught many fans by surprise, Elizabeth McGovern made a foray into the world of high fashion. She walked the runway for the luxury brand Burberry at London Fashion Week. [cite: 6, Step 1] This unexpected appearance demonstrated her willingness to embrace new challenges and step outside the traditional boundaries of her acting career, proving that she remains a relevant and stylish figure in the public eye.

3. Releasing New Music with Sadie and the Hotheads

McGovern is not just an actress; she is a dedicated musician. She is the lead singer and principal songwriter for her band, Sadie and the Hotheads, which she formed after taking guitar lessons in 2007. [cite: 12, Step 2]

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The band is highly active in 2025, with a new album, *Let's Stop Fighting*, featuring McGovern, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. [cite: 7, 11, Step 2] They are also premiering a new music show, blending her original songs with performance. [cite: 13, Step 2] This musical output provides a raw, contemporary contrast to the polished image of her acting roles, allowing her to connect with audiences through a completely different artistic medium.

4. Championing Young Talent at the Into Film Awards

McGovern is using her platform to nurture the next generation of filmmakers. In 2025, she was interviewed about her involvement with the Into Film Awards, an organization dedicated to encouraging young people to engage with cinema and the filmmaking process. [cite: 8, Step 1] Her commitment to industry access and school projects highlights her dedication to the future of the arts.

5. Reflecting on Her Oscar-Nominated Past

While looking forward, McGovern often reflects on her illustrious past. Her career began with a bang, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *Ragtime* (1981) at the age of 20. She also had an early role in the Oscar-winning film *Ordinary People* (1980). [cite: 2, 4, Step 1] These early successes, including her role in *Once Upon a Time in America*, provide a foundation of critical acclaim that informs her current work as a writer and performer.

6. Transitioning from Screen to Stage Focus

With the conclusion of the *Downton Abbey* film series, McGovern is shifting her primary focus back to the stage, a medium where she has always thrived. Her work on Broadway, including a notable performance as Ophelia in *Hamlet*, and her recent success with *Ava: The Secret Conversations*, demonstrates a renewed commitment to the immediacy and artistic freedom of theater. [cite: 14, Step 1] The stage allows her a level of creative control and depth of character exploration that is often harder to achieve in film and television.

7. Collaborating with Her Husband, Simon Curtis

McGovern’s personal life is also deeply intertwined with her professional one. She has been married to English producer-director Simon Curtis since 1992. [cite: 3, Step 1] This long-standing partnership provides a stable, creative environment, with Curtis's directorial work often overlapping with McGovern's world. Their shared life and industry experience undoubtedly contribute to her multifaceted career choices and her ability to successfully balance family life with a demanding international career.

Elizabeth McGovern's professional life in 2025 is a vibrant mosaic of creative endeavors. She is not merely resting on the laurels of her *Downton Abbey* success; she is actively shaping a legacy defined by versatility, courage, and a deep, continuous engagement with the arts. From the elegance of Cora Crawley to the raw energy of Sadie and the Hotheads, McGovern’s current trajectory is a powerful reminder that an artist’s most exciting work can happen at any stage of their career.