Maggie Smith, one of the most acclaimed actresses of our time, is best remembered not only for her legendary roles in films like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, but also for her remarkable personal life. Throughout her 89 years, Smith experienced love and
loss, having been married twice to notable men she met through her work in the theater. These relationships were filled with passion, heartache, and enduring love. Below, we delve into Maggie Smith’s marriages to Robert Stephens and Beverley Cross, two relationships that profoundly shaped her life.
Maggie Smith’s First Marriage: Robert Stephens
Maggie Smith first met actor Robert Stephens while working at the National Theatre. At the time, Stephens was still married to his second wife, Tarn Bassett. However, after their divorce, Stephens and Smith tied the knot in 1967. Their marriage was a significant chapter in both of their lives, producing two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both of whom followed in their parents’ footsteps into acting.
Smith and Stephens shared the screen in several productions, including The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), a role that won Smith her first Academy Award, and Travels with My Aunt (1972). Their professional and personal lives intertwined, but behind the scenes, their relationship was far from perfect.
In 1970, Stephens suffered from severe depression and reportedly attempted suicide while starring in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. Smith later revealed in an interview with The Guardian that this event marked the beginning of the end of their marriage. The strain of Stephens’ mental health issues and multiple affairs took its toll. By 1973, they decided to separate. Reflecting on their split, Smith said, “We had two little boys. He didn’t understand. I sure as hell didn’t understand. It got worse and worse.”
Despite their divorce, Smith held no ill will towards Stephens, expressing gratitude for the two sons they had together. Stephens later remarried actress Patricia Quinn, and the two stayed together until his death in 1995.
Maggie Smith’s Second Marriage: Beverly Cross
Before marrying Robert Stephens, Smith had already met playwright Beverly Cross while she was just 18 years old. Cross, a student at Oxford University at the time, was immediately taken with Smith. However, both were married to other people—Cross to his first wife, Elizabeth Clunies-Ross. Their connection remained strong, but they did not pursue a relationship until years later.
In 1975, following her divorce from Stephens, Smith and Cross rekindled their relationship, and they married that same year. Unlike her tumultuous first marriage, Smith’s union with Cross was marked by stability, love, and mutual support. Cross played a fatherly role in raising Smith’s two sons, and the couple enjoyed over two decades of happiness together.
Tragically, their marriage ended in 1998 when Cross passed away due to complications from multiple aneurysms. Smith spoke openly about how much she missed her husband, describing life without him as “a bit pointless.” Despite the immense pain of losing him, she always looked back on their time together fondly, stating that Cross was the love of her life.
Life After Loss: Maggie Smith’s Legacy
Maggie Smith never remarried after Cross’s death, stating in interviews that she could never imagine finding anyone who could compare to him. In her later years, she continued to focus on her acting career and her family, cherishing her time with her sons and grandchildren. Smith passed away peacefully in a London hospital on September 27, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most extraordinary actresses of her time.
Her passing was a profound loss for her family, friends, and countless fans around the world. While her brilliant career is often at the forefront of discussions about her legacy, her enduring love for Beverly Cross and the deep impact of her relationships also form a significant part of her story.
Conclusion
Maggie Smith’s life was defined not only by her illustrious acting career but also by the deep and complex relationships she had with her two husbands, Robert Stephens and Beverly Cross. While her first marriage was filled with challenges, her second brought her the lasting happiness she had long sought. Smith’s story is one of resilience, love, and loss—elements that she brought to life on the stage and screen, captivating audiences for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maggie Smith’s Marriages
1. Was Maggie Smith married?
Yes, Maggie Smith was married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had two sons. They divorced in 1973. Her second marriage was to playwright Beverly Cross, whom she married in 1975. Cross passed away in 1998.
2. Who were Maggie Smith’s children?
Maggie Smith had two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both from her first marriage to Robert Stephens. Both Chris and Toby became successful actors in their own right.
3. Why did Maggie Smith and Robert Stephens divorce?
Maggie Smith and Robert Stephens divorced in 1973 due to a combination of factors, including Stephens’ mental health struggles, affairs, and the increasing strain on their relationship. Smith has spoken about how their marriage deteriorated over time and became unsustainable.
4. Did Maggie Smith remarry after Beverly Cross’s death?
No, Maggie Smith did not remarry after Beverly Cross’s death in 1998. She expressed in interviews that she did not want to marry again and that she continued to miss Cross deeply throughout her life.
5. How long were Maggie Smith and Beverly Cross married?
Maggie Smith and Beverly Cross were married for 23 years, from 1975 until Cross’s death in 1998. Their marriage was a deeply loving and supportive partnership, and Smith often referred to Cross as the love of her life.
