'Downton Abbey': Gary Carr Joins Cast As Jack Ross, A Jazz Singer And First Black Character

"Downton Abbey" has cast Gary Carr to play the show's first black character, a jazz singer named Jack Ross.

ITV announced Carr's Season 4 casting. Carr's jazz singer character is described as a "charming and charismatic young man."

“We are delighted to introduce another fantastic, dynamic character to 'Downton Abbey,'" Gareth Neame, an executive producer of "Downton Abbey," said in a statement. "His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can’t wait for viewers to see in Series Four."

Carr's other UK TV credits include "Bluestone 42" and "Death in Paradise."

Carr joins previously announced new cast members Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Dame Harriet Walter. Eagle-eyed "Smash" viewers will recognize Ovenden from his time playing Simon, JFK in "Bombshell," opposite Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn.

Shirley MacLaine will also return to the series as Martha Levinson, Cora's (Elizabeth McGovern) mother.

"Downton Abbey" Season 4 will be eight episodes and also feature a Christmas special.