Downton Abbey received some measure of criticism for not having people of color in their first three seasons. When the fourth season premieres in the United States tonight it will feature the first African American character.
Downton’s first black character, American jazz singer Jack Ross (Gary Carr, using a veddy unconvincing American accent), is based on real-life cabaret star Leslie Hutchinson. Hutch’s scandalous affairs with white British socialites also form the basis for Jack’s liaison with Downton’s rebellious flapper Lady Rose (Lily James).
You can read about the other new characters on NBC’s Today Show website.
I am a fan of the show and will record to watch later. My questions to NDG readers are:
- Do you watch Downton Abbey?
- Do you care about whether they have people of color on the show?
