Dame Maggie Smith’s Enduring Legacy: A Look at Her Five Grandchildren and Family Life
The world mourned the passing of an acting legend, Dame Maggie Smith, who left us at the age of 89 on Friday, September 27. Her illustrious career, spanning over eight decades, saw her captivate audiences globally with unforgettable performances as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the beloved Harry Potter series and the indomitable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Beyond the accolades and iconic roles, Dame Maggie Smith was also a devoted mother and grandmother, leaving behind a cherished family that includes two sons and five grandchildren.
Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both accomplished actors themselves, confirmed her passing in a statement, marking the end of an extraordinary era in British and international cinema and theatre. Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Ilford, Essex, in 1934, she forged a path of unparalleled artistic brilliance, earning a plethora of awards including two Academy Awards, four British Academy Film Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and an Emmy Award. Her influence extended far beyond the stage and screen, deeply touching the lives of her family, who now carry forward her incredible legacy. As we reflect on her monumental contributions, it’s also a time to acknowledge the private side of the public icon – her role as a matriarch. Maggie is survived by her five grandchildren, and here’s a closer look at the next generation of her remarkable family.
Chris Larkin’s Two Children: Daisy Grace and Nathaniel Stephens
Maggie Smith’s eldest son, Chris Larkin, born in 1967 from her first marriage to English actor Sir Robert Stephens, has carved out a respectable acting career of his own. Known for roles in films like Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and various British television series, Chris has often chosen a path that, while successful, tends to keep him a bit more out of the intense public glare than his celebrated parents. With his wife, Suki Stephens, Chris has two children, making Dame Maggie a grandmother for the first time.
Their eldest is Daisy Grace Stephens, born in July 2006, approximately a year after Chris and Suki exchanged vows. She was followed by her younger brother, Nathaniel Stephens, who arrived in December 2008. While Chris Larkin and his family generally maintain a private lifestyle, he occasionally offers rare glimpses into their world on his social media. These moments, cherished by fans, provide a small window into the family life of Maggie Smith’s descendants. For instance, he has shared heartwarming photos, including one showing Nathaniel enthusiastically supporting Kutxabank Athletic Club, a football team based in Bilbao, Spain, illustrating a passion for sports that clearly runs in the family, or at least in Nathaniel.
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Daisy, too, occasionally appears on social media, often showcasing the typical interests and activities of a teenager. In an age where digital footprints are common, it’s clear the family strikes a balance between sharing moments and maintaining a sense of normalcy away from the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies a legendary grandmother. Growing up in the shadow of such a celebrated figure surely brings its own unique set of experiences, from quiet pride to perhaps the subtle inspiration that comes from a lineage of artistic talent.
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Toby Stephens’ Three Children: Eli, Tallulah, and Kura
Maggie’s second child, Toby Stephens, also born from her marriage to Sir Robert Stephens, followed even more directly in his parents’ illustrious footsteps, establishing himself as a prominent actor with a diverse range of roles. From playing the villain Gustav Graves in the James Bond film Die Another Day to Captain Flint in the Starz series Black Sails, Toby has consistently showcased his versatility. He is married to New Zealand actress Anna-Louise Plowman, known for her roles in Stargate SG-1 and Holby City, further cementing the family’s deep roots in the performing arts. Together, they have three children, adding significantly to Dame Maggie’s growing family tree.
Their eldest is a son, Elijah Alistair Stephens, born in 2007. Following Eli, they welcomed two daughters: Tallulah Tara Stephens in 2009 and Kura Stephens in 2010. Similar to his older brother Chris, Toby endeavors to maintain a degree of privacy for his family, yet he has, on occasion, shared charming insights into his life as a father and the interactions with his legendary mother. These anecdotes paint a picture of a close-knit family, despite the demands of their public careers.
One particularly memorable story Toby shared in 2009 involved his mother’s reaction to his daughter Tallulah’s name. He recounted to The Telegraph how Dame Maggie, with her characteristic wit and encyclopedic knowledge of showbiz history, expressed her thoughts: “She thought of Tallulah Bankhead, a Hollywood actress of some repute. ‘I love the name, of course, but you must understand she was a very naughty woman,’ she told me. ‘She was addicted to cocaine and had, among other things, a huge lesbian following.’” This humorous yet telling interaction perfectly encapsulates Maggie Smith’s blend of maternal warmth, sharp intellect, and a playful, no-nonsense attitude, even when discussing the name of her newborn granddaughter. It highlighted her unique charm and her deep understanding of the theatrical world she inhabited.
In 2014, while starring in the demanding role for Starz’s Black Sails, Toby Stephens reflected on the importance of family life and what constituted a “perfect Sunday” for him: simply spending quality time at home with his wife and children. He shared his thoughts with Express, articulating the profound impact of returning to his family after prolonged periods away for filming. “I’ve recently spent a lot of time away, filming in South Africa, so being back here is fantastic. After an extended period abroad, being reunited with my family is very grounding. On a film set, you tend to get tunnel vision and think work is all there is, especially with the pressure of a big production. So it’s very good to get back into the parental routine and remind yourself that there are other things in the world which are much more important.” This sentiment truly highlights the universal value of family, particularly for those navigating the often-disorienting world of show business, and underlines the grounded upbringing he and his brother likely received from Maggie Smith, despite her unparalleled fame.
The Enduring Legacy of Dame Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie Smith’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the entertainment industry, but her spirit and legacy undeniably live on through her family. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, have successfully carried on the acting tradition, each contributing their unique talents to film and television. More importantly, they have extended the family line, gifting Maggie Smith with five grandchildren who represent the future generation of the Smith-Stephens clan.
While these grandchildren, Daisy, Nathaniel, Eli, Tallulah, and Kura, are still growing up and discovering their own paths, they undoubtedly carry a piece of their illustrious grandmother’s remarkable heritage. Whether they choose to pursue careers in the arts, follow entirely different passions, or simply live fulfilling lives away from the spotlight, they are heirs to a legacy of talent, wit, and dedication that defined Dame Maggie Smith’s life. Her journey from the stage in the 1950s to becoming a global icon is a testament to perseverance and extraordinary talent, a story that will surely inspire her grandchildren for years to come.
The privacy they largely enjoy allows them the space to forge their own identities, distinct from the colossal fame of their grandmother. Yet, the stories, the family history, and the profound impact of Dame Maggie Smith on the cultural landscape will always be a part of their identity. Her grandchildren are not just inheritors of a name but of an inspiring narrative of artistic excellence and a deep love for family. As the world remembers Dame Maggie Smith for her indelible performances, her family will continue to remember her as a beloved mother and grandmother whose presence, wit, and wisdom enriched their lives immeasurably.