Summary

• Jim Carter, known for his role as Mr. Carson in Downton Abbey, has had an impressive career with fantastic roles in both TV series and films.
• Carter excels at playing supporting characters in period pieces, Shakespearean productions, and court-related dramas, but has also appeared in larger films like Alice in Wonderland and Transformers.
• In Downton Abbey, Carter's portrayal of Charles Carson, the head butler, has made him a beloved and fatherly figure at the estate, earning him Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Jim Carter is best known for his late-career work in the historical drama series Downton Abbey, but he has appeared in dozens of notable movies and TV shows across his long career. Though most audiences will know Carter as Mr. Carson in the cast of the Downton Abbey franchise, he has been acting since he first appeared as Cliff Ryan in two episodes of the British miniseries Fox in 1980. Since then, Carter has worked alongside such vaunted directors as Stephen Fry, Tim Burton, Michael Bay, and more. While most of his roles have been supporting, Carter brings a warm energy and confidence to every film he's in.

In the early part of his career, Jim Carter primarily appeared in smaller TV films and British series. As his filmography grew, Carter became a fixture of many period pieces. His stately, gentlemanly way of carrying himself suits Carter well for roles in Shakespearean productions and court-related dramas. However, he hasn't been pigeonholed to only dramatic, historical productions. Carter has appeared in a number of larger films like Alice in Wonderland and Transformers: The Last Knight, and he even joined the cast of the upcoming Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet. Carter has had an impressive career with some fantastic roles.

10 The Good Liar (2019)

• The Good Liar is available to rent or purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video

The Good Liar is a crime thriller that follows Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen), an elderly conman, and his partner in crime Vincent Halloran (Jim Carter) whose latest target is Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren). However, not everything is as it seems and a complicated and twisting tale of trauma, lies, and violence unfolds. The plot is too complex for its own good and twists occasionally come out of nowhere but Mirren and McKellen are excellent together. Carter does an impressive job as a criminal who has second thoughts about the lengths his partner is going to complete a job, and his discomfort gradually spreads across his face throughout the film.

9 Cranford (2007)

• Cranford is available to stream on BritBox

Based on three novellas by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford is a celebrated five-part miniseries that earned three Golden Globe nominations and four Emmy nominations with one win for Eileen Atkins in Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. The series depicts the town of Cranford, England where ladies rule the roost and gossip and romance abound. However, the approaching Industrial Revolution threatens to change their simple, rural town. Jim Carter plays Captain Brown, one of the few respected men in the community thanks to his common sense. It's another showcase of how Carter excels at playing an assistant who is as clever and wise as his superior.

8 Brassed Off (1996)

• Brassed Off is available to stream on Hoopla

Brassed Off is a romantic comedy set during the British miners' strikes of 1984-1985. Gloria Mullins (Tara Fitzgerald) is sent to her hometown of Grimley where she reconnects with her old flame, Andy Barrow (Ewan McGregor), and joins a brass band led by Danny Ormondroyd (Pete Postlethwaite). Jim Carter plays Harry, a miner and the band's euphonium player. Harry's expression changing from annoyed to astonished when Gloria begins playing, is one of the film's many heartwarming moments. As a bonus, Danny's speech at the end is the opening of Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping".

7 Knightfall (2017-2019)

• Knightfall is available to purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video

Jim Carter co-stars as Pope Boniface VIII in Knightfall, a historical drama about the rise and fall of the Knights Templar. They have recently failed in their crusade but when news of the Holy Grail comes to the church, the order is reinvigorated. Knightfall is not entirely historically accurate, but there are still plenty of real characters weaved through the story. Pope Boniface VIII is one of them, and Carter plays him as a kindly old soul, a counter to the villainous King Philip (Ed Stoppard). The series can be slow at points but the battle scenes and well-written characters make up for any dull story arcs.

6 The Madness Of King George (1994)

• The Madness of King George is available to stream on Paramount+

Nigel Hawthorne stars as the titular character in The Madness of King George, adapted from Alan Bennett's play of the same name. It's a comedy-drama about King George III's well-known deteriorating mental health and the Regency Crisis of 1788-1789. The film is a funny and enjoyable journey through the period despite the grim subject. Jim Carter plays Charles James Fox, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, and adds his humor and capability to the already talented cast. The film earned four Academy Award nominations including Best Actor (Nigel Hawthorne) and Best Supporting Actress (Helen Mirren).

5 Richard III (1995)

• Richard III is available to stream on Max

Richard III is an adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play about the real-life British monarch, though this version moves the setting to a fictional timeline in 1930s Britain where monarchs still have political power. In this adaptation, Richard (Ian McKellen) is a fascist who plots to gain the British throne, mirroring political themes of the 1930s. Jim Carter plays Lord Hastings, now a Prime Minister. Carter is imposing and honorable until, just like in the play, he is unceremoniously executed. The film earned two Academy Award nominations and one Golden Globe nomination for McKellan.

4 Downton Abbey & Downton Abbey: A New Era (2019, 2022)

• Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era are both available to stream on Peacock

Jim Carter returns as Charles Carson for both Downton Abbey the movie and its sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era. Despite having retired in the TV series, excuses are made for Carson to return in both films, whether it's to handle the arrival of the royal entourage or a trip to Europe where Carson and Lady Maud (Imelda Staunton) have a delightful scene together. Both films provide more of the same of what Downton Abbey fans love and the performances and dialogue are as excellent as ever. It's great to see Carson back in his butler role, but Carter is tragically underused in both films.

3 Shakespeare In Love (1998)

• Shakespeare in Love is available to stream on Max

Though Shakespeare in Love is now remembered for its controversial Oscar win, it's still a heartfelt and enchanting romantic comedy. The film depicts William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) as he struggles to write Romeo and Juliet while dealing with a romance of his own and all the headaches that come with putting on a play. One of the actors in the troupe, Ralph Bashford, is played by Jim Carter. Ralph is a talented, respected, and no-nonsense veteran actor, much like the person portraying him. Including the infamous Best Picture win, Shakespeare in Love won seven Academy Awards out of 13 nominations.

2 The Little Vampire (2000)

• The Little Vampire is available to stream on The Roku Channel and Tubi

Jim Carter rarely plays the lead role, seemingly content with being a strong supporting character as long the script and story are good. The Little Vampire is one of his few top-billed parts and also one of the few times he has played a villain. In The Little Vampire, nine-year-old Tony Thompson (Jonathan Lipnicki) tries to save his vampire neighbors from an evil vampire hunter named Rookery (Carter). With an earring, cigar, and wild hair, Carter is broader than ever and can finally shed the restrained acting that marks most of his roles.

1 Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

Downton Abbey is available to stream on Prime Video and Peacock

Downton Abbey captured the public imagination upon its premiere and led to six seasons, two feature-length movies, and numerous SAG, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards. The series follows the aristocratic Crawley family on their estate, Downton Abbey, where they engage with their servants and live through the historical occasions of the time. Carter plays Charles Carson, or just Carson, the head butler of Downton Abbey. Carson is quick with words and the fatherly figure many at Downton Abbey need. Jim Carter was nominated for four Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category for his indelible work.