Early Life and Education of Maggie Smith: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 22, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Maggie Smith. From birth to education, explore key events.

Dame Maggie Smith is a highly acclaimed British actress celebrated for her sharp wit and versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. With a career spanning over seven decades, she has become one of Britain's most recognizable and prolific actresses. Her impressive list of accolades includes two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. She is also one of the few performers to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, signifying her success in film, television, and theatre.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 1967: Married actor Robert Stephens

On June 29, 1967, Maggie Smith married actor Robert Stephens. They had two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.

1969: Birth of second son Toby Stephens

In 1969, Maggie Smith's second son, Toby Stephens, was born.

1971: Conferred honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of St Andrews

In 1971, Maggie Smith was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of St Andrews.

April 1975: Divorced Robert Stephens

On April 6, 1975, Maggie Smith and Robert Stephens were divorced.

June 1975: Married playwright Beverley Cross

On June 23, 1975, Maggie Smith married playwright Beverley Cross at the Guildford Register Office.

1986: Awarded an honorary DLitt from the University of Bath

In 1986, Maggie Smith was awarded an honorary DLitt from the University of Bath.

January 1988: Diagnosed with Graves' disease

In January 1988, Maggie Smith was diagnosed with Graves' disease, for which she underwent radiotherapy and optical surgery.

1994: Received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of Cambridge

In 1994, Maggie Smith received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of Cambridge.

2007: Diagnosed with breast cancer

In 2007, The Sunday Telegraph disclosed that Maggie Smith had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

2009: Reported to have made a full recovery

In 2009, Maggie Smith was reported to have made a full recovery from breast cancer.

2013: Expressed feelings of loneliness

In 2013, Maggie Smith stated that she felt it was pointless to go on alone without someone to share life with.

October 2017: Made an honorary fellow of Mansfield College, Oxford

In October 2017, Maggie Smith was made an honorary fellow of Mansfield College, Oxford.

November 2020: Joined For One Knight Only conversation on Zoom

In November 2020, Maggie Smith joined Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi and Ian McKellen for a conversation on Zoom entitled For One Knight Only, for the charity Acting for Others.