Photo: netflix (2)
The two actresses who portrayedQueen Elizabeth IIinThe Crownare paying tribute to the life and legacy of the late monarch.
BothClaire FoyandOlivia Colmanplayed the queen at different ages in the acclaimed Netflix drama. Now, following thenews of her death at 96, the actresses are sharing their thoughts about the iconic leader.
“I think that she was an incredible monarch,” Foy, 38, toldBBCat the Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday. “She united people and she was a massive symbol of continuity and dignity and grace.”
Foyplayed the role of the Queen in the first two seasons of the series, which depicted the early days of her rule from 1947 to 1964. Thinking about allQueen Elizabethaccomplished in her life, Foy couldn’t help but focus on one particular aspect: her family.
“My main feeling is just thinking about her as a mother and a grandmother and a great-grandmother, really,” she said. “I’m very honored to have been a teeny tiny, small part of her story.”
Photograp/Rex USA; Popperfoto/Getty
In seasons 3 and 4 ofThe Crown, Colman, 48, assumed the role, portraying a more experiencedQueen Elizabeth, set in the years 1964 through 1976. The actress spoke toVarietyabout the impact the queen had on the world during an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix; Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
Matt Smith, who portrayed the latePrince Philipin the first two seasons ofThe Crownopposite Foy, also shared his experiences with the royal family on Thursday’s episode of theTodayshow.
“I met a couple [royals],” Smith, 39, said. “I met the now-King Charles, told him that I thought he had fabulous shoes, which he told me he had them for 30 years. They were like red brogues, they were beautiful.”
TheHouse of the Dragonactor also noted that when he met Prince Harry at a polo match, the royal shook his hand and said, “Grandad.” Smith added, “I can’t claim to know if he watches it currently, but he watched a bit then.”
As for who else in the family watches the royal family-inspired Netflix show, Smith said he “heard” thatQueen Elizabethwatched it.
“She used to watch it on a projector on a Sunday night apparently,” the actor said, adding that Phillip was allegedly not a fan. “A friend of mine [said] … ‘Philip I have to ask, have you watchedThe Crown?’ and apparently he turned round to him and went, ‘Don’t be ridiculous.'”
Claire Foy and Matt Smith.Robert Viglasky/Netflix
Buckingham Palace announced thatQueen Elizabethdied “peacefully” in her Scottish home of Balmoral Castle at age 96 on Sept. 8. She was the longest-reigning monarch in Britain’s history after she assumed the title of Queen in 1952.
Later that day,The Crowncreator Peter Morganpaid tributeto the longest-reigning British monarch and said production on season 6 would likely pause “out of respect” to the late Queen.
“The Crownis a love letter to [the Queen] and I’ve nothing to add for now, just silence and respect,” Morgan said in a statement toDeadlinelast Thursday. “I expect we will stop filming out of respect too.” (Varietylater confirmed on Friday that season 6 production had halted.)
Production resumed several days later, according tophotos capturedfrom the set earlier this week.
Netflix has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment regarding whether the series will move forward with an anticipated fall premiere for season 5.
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Over the past four seasons,The Crownhas earned critical acclaim. The series has been nominated for 63Emmy Awards, winning 21 of them, including outstanding drama series for its fourth season.
Foyearned an Emmyfor outstanding lead actress in a drama series after season 2 in 2018. She also won the Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a drama series in 2021 when she returned to the show for a cameo in the fourth season. Additionally, Colman wasawarded an Emmyin the outstanding lead actress in a drama series category in 2021 after season 4 of the show.
Seasons 1–4 ofThe Crowncan be streamed in full on Netflix.
source: people.com
