Article by Madame Tussauds
One of the UK’s most popular actors, known and loved the world over for his role as Downton Abbey’s Lord Grantham, saw double here at Madame Tussauds today when Hugh Bonneville came face-to-face with his new wax figure.
The actor is portrayed looking every bit as dapper as his aristocratic Downton character, dressed in pristine black tie, complete with crisp white shirt, perfectly tied bow tie, sharp black tux and immaculately polished patent shoes. He will join the A-list line up in our star-studded party area alongside some of his film co-stars including Kate Winslet, who he appeared with in the Oscar-winning Iris, George Clooney, who acted with and directed him in The Monuments Men, and Nicole Kidman, who joins Hugh in the cast of the much-anticipated film of the children’s classic, Paddington.
“It’s certainly spooky to see yourself in three dimensions like this. The detail is incredible and scarily accurate.”
Bonneville was bowled over by the likeness, noting “It’s certainly spooky to see yourself in three dimensions like this. The detail is incredible and scarily accurate. The whole process has been a fascinating experience: the attention to detail, the sheer artistry and the quality of craftsmanship that goes into the creation of these figures is astounding; it’s wonderful to see the finished results. Being made of wax, at least my new understudy won’t ever be accused of giving a wooden performance.”
“Hugh is probably the most famous “Lord” in the world without actually being a peer of the realm,” commented Ben Sweet, the General Manager here at Madame Tussauds London. Ben added: “In fact his role as Lord Grantham has made him one of the UK’s most successful exports such is Downton’s massive global success. But he is also a versatile and much respected actor in film, theatre and TV beyond Downton Abbey winning a BAFTA and Best Comedy Award for the unforgettable Twenty Twelve. We welcome him – and his new wax figure – here to Madame Tussauds London, where we know Downton fans and the public at large will love measuring up to him.”
The actor was closely involved in the production of his figure giving our sculptors and artists a sitting to gather hundreds of precise measurements. The amazingly life-like figure took our 24 strong team months to create at a cost of £150,000.
Good Morning Britain spoke to Hugh Bonneville live as he saw the Madame Tussauds waxwork of himself as Lord Grantham for the first time.
