Actress Shirley MacLaine, seen here in a 2005 interview in Toronto, is joining the cast of "Downton Abbey" next season on PBS.
CAROLYN KASTER/AP Photo
Oscar and Golden Globe-winning actress Shirley MacLaine is joining the cast of season three of PBS’ hit series “Downton Abbey.”
Season two is continuing at 8 p.m. Sundays on channel 11 through Feb. 19. Season three starts production this spring for 2013 launch.
The joint announcement of the casting was made by Masterpiece on PBS and co-producer Carnival Films on Monday.
MacLaine (“In Her Shoes,” “Terms of Endearment” and “The Apartment”) will play new character Martha Levinson, the mother of American-born Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern). “Downton” follows the lives and loves of the Crawley family and those who work for them at the manor known as Downton Abbey.
“Shirley MacLaine is a great actress and she’s as American as the day is long,” said Rebecca Eaton, “Masterpiece” executive producer in the press release. “I can’t wait to see her go toe-to-toe with Maggie Smith’s Lady Violet.”
Carnival Films’ Managing Director, Gareth Neame added, “My late grandfather directed Shirley MacLaine in ‘Gambit’ in 1966, so it is a delight for me that she will be joining us on Downton Abbey. Julian has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson.”
“The British period drama first debuted in 2011 to record ratings for public television and a second season was quickly ordered. The first episode of season two averaged 6.3 million viewers, up more than 30 percent from the series debut.
The first season of “Downton Abbey,” set in Edwardian England, won six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries, and a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Made for Television Film.
Julian Fellowes is the writer and creator.
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