Michelle Dockery, best known for her role as ‘Lady Mary Crawley’ in Downton Abbey, has lived through both heartbreaking loss and newfound joy in her personal life. The actress who had once described herself as a ‘window’ after losing her fiancé John Dineen in 2015, again found her happiness with producer and talent manager, Jasper Waller-Bridge.
Although they prefer to stay low-key, the actress has confirmed that she is expecting her first child with Jasper at 43. Here’s how Michelle Dockery found a new love in her life.
Michelle Dockery gave a second chance to love with Jasper Waller-Bridge
Michelle Dockery, who has become synonymous with Downton Abbey, first got engaged to Irish PR executive, John Dineen. But the duo’s love story was tragically cut short when he died of a rare form of cancer at just 34, leaving her emotionally devastated. In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, the actress shared how deeply his loss affected her, calling herself a ‘widow’. Sharing how she felt they were married at heart, Michelle said:
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that John did not complain once, never, not once, and that gave us strength. It’s what keeps you going, that positivity, to never lose that hope for a miracle. I couldn’t have done it any other way. We were engaged, and married at heart, and so I do consider myself a widow.”
Pic credits: Centrepoint
However, her broken heart soon found solace with Jasper Waller Bridge, brother of actor and creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Mutual friends introduced them in London, and their bond soon developed into love. The relationship first came into the light in 2019, but they rarely made a public appearance together. By January 2022, their engagement was formally announced in The Times, and in September 2023, they tied the knot at St. Nicholas Church in Chiswick, West London. The couple’s marriage photos were published by the Daily Mail, showing them amid confetti and cheers.
Pic credits: Splash News
Michelle Dockery made a joyful reveal on the red carpet of her show with husband, Jasper Waller-Bridge
Michelle Dockery gave the next big life update from her life at the world premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in London. Her life has come full circle with the end of her on-screen journey in the ‘Crawley Family’, but a new beginning as a mother off-screen. She shared the announcement by walking the red carpet in a dusty blue off-the-shoulder gown with an embellished neckline and chiffon cape. The 43-year-old actress proudly revealed her baby bump, confirming that she and Japser Waller-Bridge are expecting their first child together.
Pic credits: US Weekly
More about Michelle Dockery
Michelle Dockery likes to keep her private life away from the spotlight, but her career has made her a household name worldwide. She rose to fame playing ‘Lady Mary Crawley’ in ITV’s Downton Abbey and later reprised her role in films like Downton Abbey, and Downton Abbey: A New Era. As well as the upcoming Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, set to release on September 12, 2025. Beyond the classic show, she has been a part of films like Anna Karenina, The Gentlemen, Godless, Defending Jacob, and Anatomy of a Scandal, among others.
What do you think about Michelle Dockery’s special pregnancy announcement?
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