Dame Maggie Smith left behind an unmatched cinematic legacy, but away from her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, she was a mother and grandmother. The late British actress, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, shared five grandchildren through her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.
While Maggie kept her private life fiercely guarded, her family tree extends through her sons' careers in the arts. Here is everything you need to know about Maggie Smith's five grandchildren, their parents, and how they fit into the legendary actress's family.
Understanding Maggie Smith's Family Roots
Before looking at the grandchildren, it helps to look at the immediate family tree. Maggie married actor Robert Stephens in 1967, and the couple had two sons before divorcing in 1975. Both sons—Chris Larkin (born Christopher Stephens) and Toby Stephens—followed their parents into acting. Chris adopted the stage surname Larkin as a nod to his favorite poet, Philip Larkin, aiming to build a career distinct from his famous parents' heavy shadow.
Following her divorce from Robert Stephens, Maggie married playwright Alan Beverley Cross in 1975, with whom she remained until his death in 1998. Though she had no children with Cross, her two sons provided her with a total of five grandchildren who span across both branches of the family.
Chris Larkin's Children: Daisy and Nathaniel
Chris Larkin married Suki Stephens in 2005, and the couple shares two children: Daisy and Nathaniel.
- Daisy: Born to Chris and Suki, Daisy represents the eldest branch of Maggie Smith's grandchildren. Like her father, she has largely grown up away from the intensive media spotlight that followed her grandmother.
- Nathaniel: As Chris's son, Nathaniel completes the sibling pair on the Larkin side of the family.
Chris has frequently spoken about the realities of growing up with two famous actors for parents, noting that while the industry connections are present, sustaining a career requires carving out an independent path. That protective approach extended to shielding Daisy and Nathaniel from paparazzi and excessive public exposure during their childhoods.
Toby Stephens's Children: Tallulah, Kura, and Eli
Toby Stephens married New Zealand-born actress Anna-Louise Plowman in 2001, and the couple shares three children: Tallulah, Kura, and Eli. Toby has built an extensive career in television, film, and theater, starring in projects like Black Sails and Jane Eyre.
- Tallulah: Born in 2009, Tallulah is one of Maggie's younger grandchildren.
- Kura: Born in 2010, Kura is part of Toby's trio of children.
- Eli: Born in 2007, Eli is the eldest of Toby and Anna-Louise's three children.
Toby has noted in past interviews that neither Maggie nor Robert actively pushed their sons into the acting profession, preferring they find their own way. However, the creative inclination clearly runs deep, as multiple generations have engaged with the performing arts.
How the Grandchildren Fit Into the Legacy
When Dame Maggie Smith passed away, it was her sons Chris and Toby who released the official statement announcing she died peacefully in a London hospital, surrounded by her family. Though public details about her grandchildren remain scarce by design, reports emphasize that Maggie cherished her role as a grandmother away from the stage and screen.
For readers looking into the broader scope of British theatrical dynasties, sources like The Guardian often profile how generational talent passes through families like the Stephens-Smith household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did any of Maggie Smith's grandchildren become actors?
None of the five grandchildren have pursued major professional acting careers as adults yet, having mostly grown up out of the public eye. Their parents, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, are both established screen and stage actors.
How many children did Maggie Smith have?
Maggie Smith had two children, sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both born from her first marriage to actor Robert Stephens.
Who was Maggie Smith married to?
Maggie was married twice: first to Robert Stephens from 1967 to 1975, and then to playwright Alan Beverley Cross from 1975 until his death in 1998.
Where did Maggie Smith's grandchildren grow up?
Both families raised their children primarily in the United Kingdom, maintaining a private lifestyle away from the intense media scrutiny that accompanied Dame Maggie's global fame.
