Toby Stephens Reflects on Mother Maggie Smith's Final Moments

Toby Stephens, son of the late Dame Maggie Smith, has shared his deep sorrow over not being present when his mother passed away in September 2023 at age 89. While filming his latest project, 'Marama,' in New Zealand, he received word of her declining health but stayed committed to his work after she encouraged him to do so. Reflecting on her last two years, Toby described them as a cycle of decline and recovery, and he noted that Maggie had lost awareness by the time of her passing, which provided him some emotional space. Tragically, she died just one day before the filming concluded, with her eldest son Chris Larkin by her side. Despite his grief, Toby expressed gratitude for the time spent with her during her illness and acknowledged that he had said everything he needed to say. Both Toby and his brother Chris have pursued acting careers, following in the footsteps of their acclaimed mother.