Downton Abbey fans are only just realising Jim Carter has very famous daughter

fans were shocked to discover that Jim Carter has a famous daughter. The actor, 76, best known for his role as Mr Carson in ITV’s Downton Abbey, is not the only star in his family as his daughter, Bessie Carter, is embarking on a hugely successful acting career. The 31-year-old has showcased her talents in countless theatre productions, but made a name for herself when she landed a role in .

The actress has portrayed Prudence Featherington in the hit series since it first hit screens in 2020 and will reprise the role when it returns next year for its highly anticipated fourth season. Jim shares Bessie with Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton, 69, whom he has been married to since 1983. Last year, it was announced that Jim was teaming up with his daughter in a brand new project, which Bessie also produced.

The duo shared the screen in a short film, titled PIGS, which delves into the lives of three generations of women grappling with themes of inheritance, desirability, and power.

Speaking about the project, 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 star opened up about working alongside her dad, adding: “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 film premiered at the London Film Festival in October 2024.

Jim is reprising the role of Mr Carson in the latest Downton Abbey film, which is set for release later this year. Speaking on This Morning, he said: “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.”

Presenter noted that while it would have been “magical” for Jim to reunite with his fellow cast members, the absence of Maggie Smith would have been noticed. The two-time Oscar-winning actress, who played Violet Crawley in the British period drama, died aged 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.”