Early Life and Education of Maggie Smith: A Complete Timeline

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

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith, a British actress, is celebrated for her sharp wit and versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles throughout her impressive seven-decade career in theatre and film. One of Britain's most recognizable and prolific actresses, she has earned numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. Smith is also one of the few performers to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting.

Sections (4)

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

December 1934: Margaret Natalie Smith Born

On December 1934, Margaret Natalie Smith was born in Ilford, Essex, to Margaret Hutton (née Little), a Scottish secretary, and Nathaniel Smith, a public-health pathologist.

1952: Stage Career at Oxford Playhouse Begins

In 1952, Maggie Smith began her stage career as a student, performing at the Oxford Playhouse.

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.

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 from Robert Stephens

On April 6, 1975, Maggie Smith divorced actor Robert Stephens.

June 1975: Married playwright Beverley Cross

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

1982: Michael Caine warned Michael Palin about Maggie Smith

In 1982, after Michael Palin was about to embark on the film "The Missionary" with Maggie Smith, Michael Caine humorously telephoned Palin, warning him that she would steal the film.

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.

1990: Made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II

In 1990, Maggie Smith was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II.

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.

September 2011: Offered support for rebuilding the Court Theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand

In September 2011, Maggie Smith offered her support for raising the NZ$4.6 million needed to help rebuild the Court Theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand, after the earthquake in 2011 that caused severe damage to the area.

July 2012: Became a patron of the International Glaucoma Association

In July 2012, Maggie Smith became a patron of the International Glaucoma Association (now known as Glaucoma UK), hoping to support the organisation and raise the profile of glaucoma.

November 2012: Contributed a drawing to the Celebrity Paw Auction

On 27 November 2012, Maggie Smith contributed a drawing of her own hand to the 2012 Celebrity Paw Auction, to raise funds for Cats Protection.

May 2013: Contributed a gnome for an auction to raise money for the Royal Horticultural Society Campaign for School Gardening

In May 2013, Maggie Smith contributed a gnome which she had decorated, for an auction to raise money for the Royal Horticultural Society Campaign for School Gardening.

2013: Expressed feelings of loneliness

In 2013, when asked if she was lonely, Maggie Smith replied, "it seems a bit pointless, going on on one's own, and not having someone to share it with".

March 2015: Announcement of Downton Abbey Departure

In March 2015, Maggie Smith announced that the sixth season of Downton Abbey would be her last.

Loading Video...

2015: Recalled Othello incident on The Graham Norton Show

In 2015, Maggie Smith recalled the 1964 incident during the "Othello" production on The Graham Norton Show.

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

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

2018: Recalled Othello incident in Nothing Like a Dame documentary

In 2018, Maggie Smith recalled the 1964 incident during the "Othello" production in the documentary "Nothing Like a Dame".

November 2020: Joined a conversation on Zoom entitled For One Knight Only for charity

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.