Imelda Staunton's Husband: The Actress Is Happily Married to 'Downton Abbey' Star Jim Carter

Imelda Staunton's husband is a seasoned actor she met at the beginning of her career. The pair have blossomed over the years and found themselves cast under the same budget at a few points. Their daughter has also caught the acting bug and most recently got cast in the Netflix series "Bridgerton."

London-born Actress Imelda Staunton is most likely recognized internationally for her portrayal of Dolores Umbridge in two Harry Potter films: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" released in 2007, and the first installment of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" released in 2010.

In addition to Imelda's stacked silver screen catalog, the actress has made a name for herself on the small screen. She has appeared on many shows, the latest being the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the most recent season of "The Crown." When she's not acting, Imelda is busy being Jim Carter's wife and the mother of their child.

Imelda Staunton's Husband Jim Carter Is a Celebrated Actor as Well

Imelda is the longtime wife of English stage and screen actor Jim Carter. The pair have been married since 1983 and have crossed paths professionally on a few projects. Jim is widely known for his role as Mr. Carson in the Carnival Film & Television TV series "Downton Abbey," which aired in the first half of the 2010s.

Jim's character in the 2020s series is arguably one of the most adored by fans of the highly-rated show. As revealed by litterateur Alan Bennett, Jim also has a few entertainment and magic tricks up his sleeve—he is quite the obscure six-foot-two performer.

Some of the notable roles in Jim's stacked IMDb profile are Cogman's voice in "Transformers: The Last Knight," playing Ralph Bashford in the 1998 depiction of "Shakespeare in Love," playing Déjà Vu in the 1984 film "Top Secret!" starring debutant Val Kilmer, who has recently recovered from throat cancer.

As mentioned, Imelda has been part of the same projects as her husband; however, they have not engaged much on screen. As we know, Jim was a star in the six seasons of "Downton Abbey," so when the producers decided to reshape his character for a movie reprisal, the actor obliged.

In 2019, the movie "Downton Abbey" was released, including a special new character, Lady Bagshaw, portrayed by Imelda. The movie's script did not accommodate any spoken word between Imelda and her husband's characters. This could be down to the vast difference in their storylines in the movie.

This was pleasing for Jim, who joked about not wanting his wife to treat him like Mr. Carson, the butler, at home. They spent three days together on set throughout the filming of the movie. Despite the limited interaction, Imelda, who loved working with her husband, referred to her casting in the film as a luxury—"a nice box of chocolates."

Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter Are Still in Love after Being Together for Almost 40 Years

Imelda and her husband became acquainted in 1982 when they starred in the National Theatre's "Guys and Dolls" play. The pair hit it off very quickly; by the following year, they were married. The apparent certainty that inspired the speedy arrangement of their union still exists in their relationship four decades later.

A reporter from The Daily Mail visited the longstanding couple in 2020 and got to experience their effortless banter that reflects their endlessly charming affection toward each other. The couple is so in tune that they share an equal dislike for technology, even amid the communication-hindering COVID-19 lockdown.

Naturally, as an actress born to parents who are masters of the arts, Bessie felt the pressure of needing to be good enough.

"We don't feel the need for it," Jim said about Zoom Calls. "I'm enjoying making phone calls rather than sending emails, having the luxury of a long conversation, not shoveling out information," he continued. The couple seemingly sings the same tune, besides lockdown hairdos. Jim returned to his "hippie roots," while Imelda chose DIY haircuts.

Imelda and her husband were married for ten years before they expanded their family. They welcomed their daughter and only child Bessie Carter in 1993.

Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter's Daughter Bessie Carter Is Following in Their Footsteps

Imelda and her husband's only child has also walked the path as an actress, thanks to the point in their careers at which she was born and her early experiences in school plays. "I remember a photograph of me playing a little angel in the year one play. After that, I did drama whenever I could," Bessie informed 1883 magazine.

Bessie was sure of her desire to pursue a career in the arts when she played a male character Henry the Tudor Dude, as an 11-year-old in a year six play. She had her "this is what I want to do" moment, backed by her parents' acknowledgment of her talents early on. She claimed her independence, noting her parents weren't famous yet.

Naturally, as an actress born to parents who are masters of the arts, Bessie felt the pressure of needing to be good enough. However, she got her credibility without favor as her teachers were unaware of who her parents were. At the same time, she worked on her acting, vying to prove herself in drama school.

Bessie had 13 credits to her name, including a few notable roles before being cast as Prudence Featherington in the Netflix series, "Bridgerton."

Her previous jobs include Ensemble Factory Woman in "Les Misérables," starring dotting husband Hugh Jackman, and playing Evie Fox in "Howards End" with Keeley Hawes's husband of nearly two decades, Matthew Macfadyen.

Bessie revealed that her family is never nervous. They organize themselves to remain busy and focused without stress. With so much to look forward to in her career, one thing that would please her mother is that they work together someday—a dream confirmed by "The Crown" star herself.