Elizabeth McGovern Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies & TV Shows, Band

Elizabeth McGovern is an American actress and musician best known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater.

She rose to prominence in the 1980s with critically acclaimed roles and later gained international recognition for portraying Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, in the British historical drama series Downton Abbey.

Alongside her acting career, McGovern is also the lead singer of the folk-rock band Sadie and the Hotheads.

Profile

• Full Name: Elizabeth Lee McGovern
• Stage Name: Elizabeth McGovern
• Date of Birth: July 18, 1961
• Place of Birth: Evanston, Illinois, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Musician
• Height: 1.75 m
• Parents: Katharine Wolcott, William Montgomery McGovern Jr.
• Spouse: Simon Curtis (m. 1992)
• Children: Matilda Curtis, Grace Curtis
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million to $6 million

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth McGovern was born in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in Los Angeles, California, after her family relocated due to her father’s academic career. Her interest in the arts emerged early, and she studied acting at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before being accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.

She honed her craft alongside future stars at these prestigious institutions.

Career

Elizabeth McGovern began her acting career after training at the American Conservatory Theater and the Juilliard School. She made her feature film debut in Ordinary People (1980) while still a student. Her breakthrough came with her role as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime (1981), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Early in her career, she also starred in notable films such as Once Upon a Time in America (1984), She’s Having a Baby (1987), and The Handmaid’s Tale (1990).

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, McGovern continued to build a diverse filmography, including roles in Racing with the Moon (1984), Johnny Handsome (1989), and The Wings of the Dove (1997). She also maintained a strong presence in theater, performing in off-Broadway and major stage productions.

Her work during this period demonstrated versatility across genres and mediums, balancing film, television, and stage.

In 2007, McGovern expanded her artistic pursuits by forming the musical group Sadie and the Hotheads, releasing several albums since 2016. She gained international acclaim for her portrayal of Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, in the British period drama series Downton Abbey (2010–2015).

This role earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and brought renewed visibility to her career. She reprised this role in the Downton Abbey films released in 2019 and 2022.

More recently, McGovern has continued to work in film and television, appearing in projects such as The Commuter (2018) and continuing her stage work. She lives in London with her family and remains active both as an actress and musician, balancing her career between the US and the UK.

Her career spans over four decades, marked by critical recognition and a broad range of artistic endeavors.

Social Media

• Instagram: @elizabeth.mcgovern

Personal Life

Elizabeth McGovern married British film director and producer Simon Curtis in 1992. The couple resides in London and has two daughters. She has balanced her family life with an active career in both the U.S. and the UK, often working with her husband on film and stage projects.

Filmography

• Ragtime (1981)
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
• She’s Having a Baby (1988)
• The Handmaid’s Tale (1990)
• The Wings of the Dove (1997)
• Downton Abbey (TV Series, 2010–2015)
• Downton Abbey (Film, 2019)
• Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Net Worth

Elizabeth McGovern’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $6 million. Her income stems from decades of work in film, television, and stage, along with her musical pursuits with Sadie and the Hotheads.