Shirley MacLaine Joins Downton Abbey

Shirley MacLaine Shirley MacLaine has became a member of the cast of Downton Abbey, Variety reviews.The Oscar champion will have Martha Levinson, Lady Grantham's mother, within the third season, which starts filming the following month.Shirley MacLaine to get AFI Existence Achievement Award"My late grandfather [Ronald Neame] directed Shirley MacLaine in Gambit in 1966 so it's a delight for me personally that they is going to be joining us on Downton Abbey," producer Gareth Neame stated. "Julian [Fellowes] has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson, who definitely are an excellent combatant for Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess and that we are excited at the possibilities of Shirley MacLaine playing her."The gig marks MacLaine's first regular TV series role since her dramedy series Shirley's World, which survived one season (1971-72).Season 2 of Downton Abbey is presently airing on PBS stateside. Season 3 will premiere on ITV within the U.K. in September.