Maggie Smith’s Two Marriages: A Journey Of Love And Loss

Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most iconic actresses of British cinema, was best known for her roles in the 'Harry Potter' series and in 'Downton Abbey.' Throughout her six-decade career, Smith captivated audiences with her performances in both film and theatre. However, behind the spotlight, her personal life was marked by two significant marriages that shaped her journey.

Maggie’s first marriage was to actor Robert Stephens. The two met while performing together in the 1962 National Theatre production of Hay Fever. Sparks flew between them, and their whirlwind romance soon led to marriage.

The couple married on June 29, 1967, after meeting a few years earlier on stage, during a time when both Maggie and Robert were emerging as stars in the theatre scene. Throughout their marriage, Smith and Stephens appeared in two films together: the 1969 classic 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie', which earned her first Academy Award, and the 1972 film 'Travels with My Aunt'.

Their marriage was often described as turbulent, but they remained together for nearly eight years. During this time, they welcomed two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, both of whom followed in their parents’ footsteps and became actors.

In 1970, the couple faced a harrowing experience when Stephens reportedly attempted suicide during a performance of the play 'The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes'. By 1974, however, Maggie and Robert had grown apart, with their relationship becoming increasingly strained. Ultimately, their marriage ended in divorce that same year. Despite this, Maggie continued to co-parent their two sons and remained dedicated to her illustrious acting career.

Around this time, she also earned her second Academy Award for her performance in 'California Suite' (1978), further solidifying her place as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

After her divorce from Robert Stephens, Maggie found love again with playwright Beverley Cross. They first crossed paths much earlier, during Maggie’s early acting years in the 1950s. Cross had been smitten with Maggie from the moment they met, but at the time, they did not pursue a relationship. Fate would have it that they reconnected after both had gone through personal struggles.

Maggie and Beverley married in 1975, just a year after her divorce from Stephens. Their union marked a new chapter in her life, and Beverley’s presence brought stability to the actress’s world. He was a constant support in Maggie’s life, especially during her health battles and the challenges of balancing her personal life with a demanding acting career.

Their marriage lasted until Beverley’s death in 1998. Unlike her first marriage, Maggie’s relationship with Beverley was quieter and more private, as they both cherished a life away from the public eye. His passing left a profound impact on her, but Maggie continued to work, dedicating herself to acting, which became a source of solace.