'Downton Abbey': Shirley MacLaine's fans get a preview By Hal Boedeker, Staff writer 9:44 a.m. EST, June 8, 2012 (ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Shirley MacLaine's career peak award Thursday night featured a preview of "Downton Abbey," which the actress joins in season three.

MacLaine received the 40th Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. She accepted the prize from Meryl Streep, a previous winner.


But TV fans may be most interested in a preview of "Downton Abbey" supplied by Elizabeth McGovern, who plays MacLaine's daughter.

"As soon as Shirley MacLaine made her entrance in the show as my mom, everything became clear to me," McGovern told the audience. "Come back to 'Downton Abbey,' Shirley! I miss my mom."

Oscar-winner MacLaine said she enjoyed working with Oscar-winner Maggie Smith. "I saw Maggie Smith and I lifted her off her feet, because she's lighter than me," MacLaine said. "It was fabulous."

The third season of "Downton Abbey" will premiere in January on PBS.

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