Laura Carmichael, the daughter of a software developer and a radiographer, grew up in middle-class Southampton, England, but learned her crisply posh manner from the nearby independent boy's school, Winchester College, where she performed in productions in need of girls. She went on to study at the performing arts program founded by Laurence Olivier, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and was working as a receptionist in a doctor's office, about to go on tour to Dubai with a production of Twelfth Night, when she got a call to read for the part of Lady Edith, her first television role. Now with three seasons of Downton Abbey under her belt, Carmichael has returned to the stage, making her West End debut in a revival of Chekhov's classic, Uncle Vanya. In 2011, Carmichael appeared with fellow MASTERPIECE alum Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Despite on-screen animosity, Laura enjoys a sister-like relationship with Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), which continues in Season 3. Carmichael says, "What I love about Julian [Fellowes] is that he doesn't forget about the sibling rivalry – the bickering carries on. It's softened because during the war they have to find a way to exist together. Deep down they fight because they know each other very well. It's hard living in another person's shadow and that's formed Edith into a bit of a know-it-all, who tells Mary off and complains and moans. They are always going to annoy each other. I think it's great because that's just how family is. And we really enjoy playing it – it brings some humor and some reality to it, a good sibling rivalry!"