Oscar-Winner Joins Downton Abbey for Season Three

One of my favorite “Downtown Abbey” characters is Cora, Countess of Grantham, played by Elizabeth McGovern.  She is an American heiress whose marriage to a titled but cash-poor nobleman resulted in the most unexpected of romances.  The producers announced this week that Season Three will include a visit from Lady Grantham’s American mother — and that she will be played by Oscar-winner Shirley Maclaine.  I can already imagine the fun of seeing a strong-willed nouveau riche American going up against the Dowager Countess, played by Oscar-winner Maggie Smith.