Let me tell you about Maggie Smith, a name synonymous with grace, talent, and sheer brilliance in the world of entertainment. This Downton Abbey star was no ordinary actress; she was a force to be reckoned with on stage, screen, and television. Maggie, who burst onto the scene as a teenager, went on to spend over six decades in the entertainment industry, winning countless awards and proving time and again why she was one of the greatest performers of her generation. Alongside her illustrious career, Maggie also managed to balance motherhood, raising two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, with love and dedication.

On September 27, 2024, Maggie’s sons shared the heartbreaking news of her passing in a heartfelt statement. It’s a moment that has left fans around the world in shock and mourning the loss of a true legend.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27th,” the statement read. “Maggie was an intensely private person, but she was surrounded by friends and family during her final moments. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to extend our gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days.”

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“We thank you all for your kind words and support during this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve the loss of our beloved Maggie,” the statement concluded.

Exploring Maggie Smith’s Personal Life and Family

Maggie Smith was born in 1934 in England, where her love for theater blossomed from a young age. She honed her craft at 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 her first husband, Robert Stephens, and the couple welcomed their first son, Chris, in June of the same year. Their second son, Toby, followed shortly after in April 1969. Although Maggie and Robert eventually divorced in 1975, their bond as parents remained strong.

Maggie went on to marry her second husband, Beverley Cross, the same year. They shared a loving partnership until his passing in 1998. While Maggie and Beverley didn’t have children together, she cherished her role as a grandmother after both her sons started their own families. Despite her demanding career, Maggie always made time for her loved ones, proving that it’s possible to excel in both personal and professional spheres.

After Toby’s birth, Maggie returned to the stage with a vengeance, starring in The Country Wife. As a working mother in a highly competitive industry, she juggled her responsibilities with poise and determination. In an interview with The Guardian in June 1969, Maggie spoke candidly about her approach to balancing work and family life. “I think my children actually enjoy me more because I work. They’d probably find me unbearable if I didn’t. If you give up something you’re passionate about, it’s probably not the right choice,” she said. “Life is about following your instincts. Some people are content staying home with their kids, and that’s a full-time job, but if you’re not one of those people, well, that’s just the way it goes. I hope it’s not too hard on my children, but as long as I’m there for them, I think they’ll be okay.”

Though both Maggie and her ex-husband were accomplished actors, they never pressured their sons to follow in their footsteps. Chris and Toby carved out their own paths, and Maggie couldn’t have been prouder. “They weren’t encouraged to act,” she told the Evening Standard in December 2019. “If they wanted to pursue acting, that was absolutely fine, but they can’t come crying to me if they don’t succeed. It’s all on them.”

Chris Larkin: Continuing the Legacy

Chris, Maggie’s eldest son, wasn’t forced into the world of acting, but he found himself drawn to it at a young age, much like his mother. He trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before launching his film career in 1995. Choosing to use his stage name, Larkin, instead of the family name Stephens, Chris carved out a successful career for himself. One of his most notable roles came in 2003 when he starred alongside Russell Crowe in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Chris also appeared in Valkyrie with Tom Cruise and Coalition. In 2020, he took on the role of a lifetime in the popular series Outlander. Off-screen, Chris is a devoted father to two children, Daisy and Nathaniel, with his wife, Suki Stephens.

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maggie smith son — Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Toby Stephens: A Star in His Own Right

Toby Stephens, Maggie’s younger son, followed in the footsteps of his parents and older brother, forging a successful acting career of his own. In 2002, Toby landed his breakout role as the villain Gustav Graves in Die Another Day, the 20th installment in the James Bond franchise. His mother’s dear friend, Judi Dench, also starred in the film, making it a family affair. Toby’s filmography includes roles in Dark Corners, Believe, and The Journey. Beyond the big screen, Toby has made a name for himself in theater, radio, and over 30 television shows, including AMC’s The Walking Dead. He starred as Alex Rider in the popular series and gained widespread recognition for his role in Black Sails.