Maggie Smith was a powerhouse. Most of us knew her as the razor-tongued Dowager Countess or the stern-but-fair Minerva McGonagall, but away from the cameras and those iconic hats, she lived a life that was intensely, almost fiercely, private. When news broke in late 2024 that the legend had passed away at 89, the official statement from her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, mentioned something that hit a chord with fans worldwide. It wasn't just about her Oscars or her BAFTAs. It was about the five "loving grandchildren" she left behind.
People always want to know if the real-life Maggie was as intimidating as her characters. Honestly, probably not—at least not to her grandkids. But because she kept her personal world under such a tight lock and key, there is a lot of confusion about who these five individuals are and what their lives look like today.
The Next Generation of the Stephens Clan
To understand the maggie smith grandchildren, you first have to look at her two sons. She had them with her first husband, Sir Robert Stephens. Acting is basically the family business at this point. Her eldest, Chris Larkin (who changed his name to avoid riding his parents' coattails), and her younger son, Toby Stephens, both became massive stars in their own right.
Between them, they gave Maggie five grandchildren.
Chris Larkin and his wife, Suki Stephens (Victoria Steadman), have two children. Their names are Daisy Grace Stephens and Nathaniel Stephens. Daisy was born in 2006, which makes her about 19 or 20 now, while Nathaniel arrived in 2008.
Then there is Toby Stephens. He’s married to the New Zealand actress Anna-Louise Plowman. They have three kids: Eli Alistair Stephens, Tallulah Tara Stephens, and Kura Stephens.
It’s kind of wild to think about.
While the world saw a formidable Dame of the British Empire, these five knew her as "Granny" (or whatever private nickname they used). They grew up while their grandmother was experiencing a massive career second act thanks to Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Imagine being a teenager and your grandma is literally the coolest witch at Hogwarts.
Growing Up with a Legend
The maggie smith grandchildren didn't grow up in the typical Hollywood spotlight. Maggie hated the "celebrity" side of things. She famously didn't even watch Downton Abbey while it was airing. Because of that, her grandchildren have been largely shielded from the paparazzi. You won't find them doing "nepo baby" interviews in Vogue or trying to become influencers based on their last name.
In fact, the family is so private that for years, people weren't even sure of the grandkids' names.
- Daisy Grace Stephens (born 2006): The eldest of the bunch.
- Eli Alistair Stephens (born 2007): Toby’s eldest son.
- Nathaniel Stephens (born 2008): Chris’s second child.
- Tallulah Tara Stephens (born 2009): Toby’s middle child.
- Kura Stephens (born 2010): The youngest of Toby’s three.
Maggie once joked in an interview that her grandchildren didn't really believe she was real until the Harry Potter movies came out. Before that, she was just the lady who sat in the corner. Once she started transforming people into cats on the big screen, her "cool factor" skyrocketed.
But there’s a bittersweet side to it, too. Maggie often expressed regret that her career—especially during the 1970s and 80s when she was doing heavy theater work and traveling to Canada for the Stratford Festival—took her away from her sons. She seemed determined not to let that happen with the next generation. Friends of the actress often noted that in her later years, she was much more focused on being present for family milestones than attending award ceremonies.
Why the Private Life Matters
We live in an era where every celebrity grandkid is on TikTok. The maggie smith grandchildren are different. They represent a vanishing era of British acting royalty where the work stayed on the stage and the family stayed at home.
The fact that we don't know every detail of their lives is exactly how Maggie wanted it.
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When she died in September 2024, the family statement was simple and dignified. They were "devastated." It wasn't a PR stunt. It was a genuine reaction from a family that had lost its matriarch. Toby and Chris have both spoken about the "burden" of having famous parents, which is why they’ve been so protective of their own kids.
Basically, they wanted their children to have the chance to be people before they were "Maggie Smith's grandkids."
Honestly, it’s refreshing.
In 2026, as we look back at her legacy, the real story isn't just the films she left behind. It’s the fact that she managed to raise a family that actually likes each other and stays out of the tabloids. That’s a harder feat than winning an Oscar, quite frankly.
If you are looking to honor the legacy of the family, the best way is to respect the privacy they’ve worked so hard to maintain. You can still enjoy the work of Toby Stephens in Black Sails or Chris Larkin in Outlander, knowing that the talent definitely skipped a generation—and will likely continue through Daisy, Eli, Nathaniel, Tallulah, and Kura in whatever paths they choose.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Work: If you want to see the family talent in action, check out Black Sails (starring Toby) or Master and Commander (featuring Chris).
- Respect the Privacy: Avoid searching for private social media accounts; the family has made it clear they prefer a life out of the public eye.
- Legacy Support: Consider donating to theatrical charities like the Actors' Benevolent Fund, a cause Maggie supported throughout her life.