Let me tell you a story about Maggie Smith, the legendary actress who graced our screens and stages with her incredible talent. Known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, Maggie wasn't just a star on screen—she was a powerhouse in the theater world too. Starting her career in the early '50s, she lit up the stage and eventually found love along the way. With an Academy Award under her belt, Maggie was no stranger to success. But her life wasn't just about accolades; it was about love and family too.
On September 27, 2024, the world lost a legend. Maggie's two sons, Christopher Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced their mother's passing in a heartfelt statement. Maggie was 89 years old. Her legacy will live on through her incredible work and the lives she touched.
In the statement, the family shared their grief, saying, "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 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother." Her family also thanked the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days. They asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of this incredible woman.
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Who Was Maggie Smith’s First Husband, Robert Stephens?
Before she became the household name we all know today, Maggie married her first husband, Robert Stephens, in 1967. Robert was a prominent figure in British theater, just like Maggie. His career took off in the '50s with roles in Broadway's Epitaph for George Dillon and The Royal Hunt of the Sun. Robert wasn't a stranger to love either—he was married twice before meeting Maggie, first to Nora Ann Simmonds from 1951 to 1952, and then to Tarn Bassett from 1956 to 1967.
When Robert and Maggie tied the knot, they created a beautiful family together. They welcomed two sons, Christopher Larkin and Toby Stephens. These boys would grow up in a world filled with creativity and art, thanks to their talented parents. However, their marriage ended in 1975, but Robert's career continued to flourish. He remarried in 1995 to Patricia Quinn, but tragically passed away later that year at the age of 64 due to complications from surgery.
Who Was Maggie Smith’s Second Husband, Beverley Cross?
After her divorce from Robert, Maggie found love again with playwright Beverley Cross. Beverley, a London-born writer, had been married twice before meeting Maggie, to Elizabeth Clunies-Ross and Gayden Collins. Known for plays like One More River, The Singing Dolphin, and Half a Sixpence, Beverley was a respected figure in the theater world.
Maggie and Beverley first crossed paths while working on Strip the Willow, a role that helped Maggie achieve stardom. Despite their initial friendship, both went on to marry others. However, after their respective divorces, they realized their feelings for each other and married in 1975. Their union was a beautiful chapter in both their lives, filled with love and support.
Tragically, their time together was cut short when Beverley passed away in 1998 at the age of 66. In a candid interview with The Telegraph in November 2014, Maggie opened up about her grief. "They say it goes away but it doesn’t. It just gets different," she explained. "It’s awful, but what do you do? After the busyness, you are more alone, much more. A day that is absolutely crowded keeps your mind away from why you are alone but when it stops there is that deafening silence." Her words remind us of the depth of her love and the profound impact Beverley had on her life.
