Shirley MacLaine to join Downton Abbey Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine will join the cast of Downton Abbey for its third series. The actress will play Lady Grantham's mother, Martha Levinson, a character who has yet to appear in the television drama. Laura Mackie, Director of Drama at ITV said: "It is so exciting to have an actress of Shirley MacLaine's stature joining our brilliant Downton Abbey cast for series three and a tribute to the show's success on both sides of the Atlantic." MacLaine's career spans over five decades. She has made more than 50 feature films, won an Academy Award and seven Golden Globes. The award-winning Downton Abbey is currently transmitting in the US.