Dame Penelope Wilton DBE (born 3 June 1946) is an acclaimed English actress whose distinguished career spans film, television, and theatre. Among her most recognizable roles is Isobel Crawley in Downton Abbey (2010–2015), a performance she reprised in the feature films Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). Her character’s warmth, wit, and social conscience made her a fan favorite and a key figure in the Crawley family’s evolving world.
Wilton gained earlier fame for starring opposite Richard Briers in the BBC sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989), and as Homily in The Borrowers (1992) and its sequel. Sci-fi fans also know her as Harriet Jones, MP and later Prime Minister, in Doctor Who (2005–2008). She more recently appeared in Ricky Gervais’ Netflix series After Life as the compassionate Anne.
Her film work includes standout performances in Calendar Girls (2003), Shaun of the Dead (2004), Pride & Prejudice (2005), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), and The BFG (2016). On stage, she is one of the UK’s most respected performers, earning six Olivier Award nominations and winning Best Actress in 2015 for Taken at Midnight.
