Downton Abbey legend Jim Carter has been a mainstay of British television screens for decades, but his daughter is fast becoming a star in her own right, following her breakout role in Bridgerton
Jennie Buzaglo Showbiz & TV Reporter and Dan Taylor
11:26, 19 Mar 2025
Downton Abbey fans were stunned to learn that Jim Carter, the 76-year-old actor famed for playing Mr Carson in ITV's Downton Abbey, has a starlet daughter. Bessie Carter, at 31, is carving out an impressive acting career of her own
She's played a number of roles in theatre productions, but really turned heads when she landed part in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton.
Bessie has been winning hearts as Prudence Featherington in the smash-hit series since its 2020 debut and is set to return in the eagerly awaited fourth season next year. Jim, who has been married to Oscar-nominee Imelda Staunton since 1983, shares Bessie with her.
Last year, it was revealed that father and daughter would join forces onscreen in a new venture, which Bessie also had a hand in producing.
The pair appeared together in a short film called PIGS, which offers a glimpse into the lives of three generations of women, tackling issues of inheritance, desirability, and power, reports the Express.
On the subject of the film, Bessie said: "PIGS explores matters that I think are often stereotyped in film and television. We wanted to make a film that was surreal and yet deeply realistic, and Sophia Jenning's writing was simply the perfect voice for this.
"With a mixture of inspirations (such as Leonora Carrington's work and lyrical and visual aspects of Florence Welch's music), PIGS offers the audience an opportunity to reflect on their own familial dynamics and the roles they are silently asked to play."
The Netflix sensation discussed the joy of collaborating with her father, saying: "I got to hire my dad and work with him and that was just heaven! We are beyond excited to have our premiere at the prestigious LFF and are really looking forward to sharing this film with audiences."
The movie had its debut at the London Film Festival in October 2024. Meanwhile, Jim plans to return as Mr Carson in the upcoming Downton Abbey movie, anticipated for release later this year.
Speaking on This Morning, he revealed: "I think I'm allowed to tell you that it's opening on September 12. I've filmed certain parts of it in the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, which is 300 yards from where I was born."
Ben Shephard observed that although Jim's reunion with former castmates must be "magical", the absence of Maggie Smith would definitely be felt. The legendary actress, formidable as Violet Crawley in the series, died at 89 in September 2024.
Jim said: "Of course, we won't see her again really. An iconic figure whose career started in classical theatre and then expanded to worldwide fame, winning Oscars at the drop of a hat.
"How lucky we were to work so closely with her for so long in Downton Abbey. Get me back another time and I'll tell you about when Maggie Smith met Shirley MacLaine. I mean that was amazing."