Let’s talk about Maggie Smith, the iconic star of Downton Abbey and so much more. Maggie was a powerhouse in theater, film, and television, stepping into the spotlight as a teenager and never looking back. Over more than six decades in entertainment, she became a household name, earning countless awards and proving herself as one of the greatest performers of her generation. Along the way, she also mastered the art of balancing her acting career with motherhood, raising two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.
On September 27, 2024, Maggie's sons shared the heartbreaking news of her passing in a heartfelt statement.
“With deep sadness, we must announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dame Maggie Smith. She left us peacefully in the early hours of Friday, September 27th, surrounded by friends and family. A fiercely private person, Maggie was always cherished by those who knew her best. She leaves behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all of whom are deeply mourning the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother," the statement read. "We want to express our gratitude to the incredible staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care and kindness during her final days. Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful messages and support. At this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve."
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Exploring Maggie Smith's Family Life
Born in England in 1934, Maggie discovered her passion for theater at a young age. She honed her craft with the Oxford University Dramatic Society before making her Broadway debut in New Faces of '56. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and she soon became a member of the prestigious Royal National Theatre in the 1960s. In 1967, Maggie tied the knot with actor Robert Stephens, and their love story began with the arrival of their first son, Chris, that same year. Two years later, in 1969, they welcomed their second son, Toby. Though Maggie and Robert divorced in 1975, her family life continued to grow when she married composer Beverley Cross later that year. Though they didn’t have children together, Maggie cherished her role as a grandmother after both her sons started their own families.
After giving birth to Toby, Maggie returned to the stage with The Country Wife, showcasing her ability to balance her demanding career with motherhood. She was a Tony Award-winning actress who knew how to juggle it all. In an interview with The Guardian in 1969, Maggie opened up about her approach to parenting. “I think my kids actually enjoy me more because I work. If I didn’t, I might drive them crazy! Life is all about instincts. Some people thrive on being stay-at-home moms, but if that’s not you, well, too bad. I just hope it’s not too hard on the kids, but as long as I’m there for them, I think they’ll be okay,” she explained.
Despite both her and her ex-husband Robert being celebrated performers, Maggie never pushed her sons into acting. If they wanted to pursue it, that was fine, but they had to carve their own paths. “They weren’t encouraged to act,” she told Evening Standard in 2019. “If they chose to, that was great, but they can’t complain if it doesn’t work out. It’s their choice, not mine.”
Chris Larkin: Following in His Mother's Footsteps
Chris Larkin, Maggie's eldest son, wasn’t pressured into acting, but he discovered a passion for performing early on, much like his mom. He trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) before launching his film career in 1995. Known professionally as Larkin, he made a name for himself in Hollywood with standout roles in films like Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), starring alongside Russell Crowe, and Valkyrie (2008) alongside Tom Cruise. In recent years, Chris has continued to shine in projects like Outlander (2020). Beyond his acting career, Chris is a devoted father to two children, Daisy and Nathaniel, with his wife, Suki Stephens.
Toby Stephens: Continuing the Family Legacy
Toby Stephens, Maggie's youngest son, followed in his parents' and brother's footsteps, carving out a successful acting career of his own. His breakout role came in 2002 when he played the villain Gustav Graves in Die Another Day, the 20th film in the James Bond series, which also starred his mom's close friend, Judi Dench. Toby's filmography includes other notable roles in Dark Corners, Believe, and The Journey. Beyond the big screen, Toby has also made waves in theater, radio, and television, starring in over 30 TV shows, including AMC's The Walking Dead and the Netflix series Black Sails. On the personal front, Toby married Anna-Louise Plowman in 2001, and they have three children together: Eli, Tallulah, and Kura.
