Dan Stevens, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, looks galaxies away from his period drama attire for his latest role in Netflix’s gripping new political thriller Zero Day.

The British star is cast as Evan Green, who is described as the “calculating and divisive host of a wildly popular political TV show.”

In this high-profile series, which also features cinema icon Robert De Niro, Stevens plays the role of a former US President’s most vocal adversary, making him one of the central antagonists.

While ITV audiences will recall Stevens’ performance in the period drama, there’s more to discover about his personal journey.

Born in Croydon in October 1982, Stevens was adopted by a pair of teachers just a week after his birth, and they later adopted his younger brother from a different family.

Stevens has spoken candidly about his upbringing, considering himself “lucky” to have been adopted into such a loving family. “I’ve been a very lucky product of the process of adoption and ended up with really wonderful parents. It’s an extraordinary thing, adoption,” he shared with The Guardian.

Regarding his biological parents, Stevens revealed in the same interview that he hasn’t “actively” sought them out, stating: “I’ve done as much research as I need to do to satisfy my own curiosity,” reports the Mirror.

Stevens has openly admitted that his behaviour in school was less than ideal, often causing disruptions in the classroom.

In a candid 2014 interview with The Irish Times, he reflected on his early years: “I know a lot of my school reports as a child said I should stop distracting others, which then led to people nudging me toward school plays and things: just do that on the stage and not in the classroom. I had this urge or instinct to perform. And it’s wonderful when those urges are channelled and nurtured rather than crushed.”

He added: “Once I got on stage I never looked back. And that led to all kinds of wonderful things.”

Among these successes was his beloved role in the period drama Downton Abbey, from which he departed in 2012.

As Matthew Crawley, an heir to the grand Downton estate, Stevens captured the hearts of viewers through his romance with Lady Mary Crawley over three seasons.

The sudden death of his character in a tragic car accident, occurring shortly after the birth of Crawley’s son, shocked and saddened fans. This plot twist was a direct result of Stevens’ decision to leave the show.

Post-Downton Abbey, the Croydon-born actor sought new challenges, explaining to The Telegraph that his departure was driven by “a desire for freedom really.”

He revealed his aspirations candidly: “It is a desire for freedom really,” and went on to say: “I don’t see money or a particular status as an actor as a goal but I want to do the best work I can in as interesting a range of roles as I can. And I think a moment like this is quite unique and presents those opportunities more than ever before.”

The star has since amassed an enviable list of credits to his name. Among them are the 2014 thriller A Walk Among the Tombstones, the 2017 adaptation of Beauty and The Beast, and the recent horror sensation Cuckoo.

Along the way, he’s rubbed elbows with industry heavyweights including Liam Neeson, Emma Watson, and Hunter Schafer of Euphoria fame.

Despite skyrocketing to international stardom following his stint on Downton Abbey, the London-born actor holds his time there in high regard. In a 2024 dialogue with Business Insider Africa, he reminisced about the enduring drama, acknowledging that new aficionados continue to approach him regarding his performance.

“I think what’s lovely is how the fan love for that show has endured and people are still discovering it. I still get messages every other week where somebody hits the end of season three and can’t believe what’s just happened, but there’s just such an enduring love for that show and I have very, very fond memories of it,” Stevens divulged.

Offscreen, Stevens enjoys life with his wife, South African jazz singer Susie Hariet, whom he met in 2006 while both were working at theatres in Sheffield. The couple exchanged vows in 2009.

Stevens has openly expressed adoration for his marriage, highlighting his partner’s grasp of the demands within the world of show business.

In a heartfelt discussion with the Telegraph, he explained: “I’m lucky to be married to someone who entirely gets what I do. She is totally sympathetic to the actor’s life. Her own mother was an actress, so she sort of grew up with it.”

He and his partner are proud parents to three children two daughters named Willow and Eden, and a son called Aubrey.

Zero Day is streaming on Netflix.