The cast and crew of Downton Abbey already have an impressive amount of Academy Awards between them, including star Maggie Smith and creator Julian Fellowes. Now, Shirley MacLaine (who won Best Actress in 1983) has joined the cast of the hit period drama.

The American star of Terms of Endearment, Coco Chanel, and Around The World In 80 Days will begin filming series three when it kicks off next month.  She will play Martha Levinson, mother of Lady Grantham.

Carnival films managing director had this to say on the casting:

“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 [Fellowes] has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson, who will be a wonderful combatant for Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess and we are excited at the prospect of Shirley MacLaine playing her.”

Are you looking forward to seeing MacLaine alongside Maggie Smith?