Who was Maggie Smith married to? All about her marriages as Harry Potter star dies aged 89

Renowned actress Maggie Smith unexpectedly passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Although the circumstances leading to her demise are yet to be made official, Maggie was at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, as stated by her sons.

The news of her demise was first revealed by her sons Toby and Chris, born from her first marriage to Robert Stephens in 1967. The actress later tied the knot with Alan Beverly Cross in 1975, after she divorced Stephens.

Maggie became a popular face for appearing as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, and the Othello star’s husbands were also a part of the entertainment industry. While Robert gained recognition for his work on stage and in films, Beverly penned the screenplays for various popular projects such as The Long Ships.

Maggie Smith’s children expressed their grief in a statement shared with BBC, revealing that she was surrounded by her friends and family members in her final moments. They also mentioned:

“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin thanked the staff members of the hospital, further requesting privacy from everyone as they mourned their loss. Notably, the duo have followed in their parents’ footsteps, establishing themselves in the acting world.

Maggie Smith had a long list of credits under her name. After a successful career on stage, she began focusing on television and played Violet Crawley in the ITV historical drama, Downtown Abbey.

She even portrayed minor roles on other shows, and appeared in films like Ladies in Lavender, Keeping Mum, and Becoming Jane. Her performances helped her to become a recipient of multiple accolades.

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Maggie Smith's personal life and other details, explored

The Ilford, Essex native accumulated a huge fanbase from her flawless work over the last 72 years, as she began her career on stage and slowly became a part of films and television. The actor was also a recipient of various accolades for some of her most notable roles.

Apart from her acting career, Maggie Smith’s relationships have also been in the spotlight over the years. As mentioned, she was first married to Robert Stephens and their romance began after meeting at The Old Vic, a theatre in London.

The pair married in 1967 and became the parents of their first child, Chris Larkin, the same year. They went on to have another son, named Toby Stephens, in April 1969.

Furthermore, Smith and Stephens shared the screen in a few films, like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. However, problems emerged in their relationship when the latter allegedly tried to commit su*cide during a play, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, in 1970, as per People magazine.

The issues became worse due to Stephens’ reported affairs, and he admitted the same in a conversation with Evening Standard in 1991. The duo eventually split in 1973, while Maggie confessed, in a 2004 interview with The Guardian, that she still cared a lot about Robert.

Coming to Maggie Smith’s second marriage with Alan Beverley Cross, the pair met back in 1952, when Maggie was studying at Oxford University. Smith further told The Guardian that Cross first popped the question to her when she was 18, despite being married himself at the time. However, the two tied the know in 1975, following his divorce from Elizabeth Clunies-Ross. Alan died of aneurysm in 1998.

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Apart from her sons, Maggie’s survivors include five grandchildren. Further updates on her funeral and cause of death are yet to be revealed officially.