The details of the will of acclaimed British actress Maggie Smith, immortalized for the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ saga, were revealed on Friday, August 28, 2026. The disclosure comes almost two years after her death, on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. The information details the division of assets valued at millions of reais, revealing the fate of the artist’s assets.
The fortune left by the actress and its distribution
Maggie Smith’s total assets were valued at around 15.9 million pounds sterling, which corresponds to approximately R$113 million at the current price. The main benefit of this fortune went to the actress’s two sons, Chris Larkin, 59, and Toby Stephens, 57. Both are the result of Maggie’s first marriage to Robert Stephens, who died in 1995.
Before the equal division, each of the heirs had to bear debts and inventory expenses. The total value of these obligations amounted to around 25 thousand pounds sterling, equivalent to R$176 thousand. After these charges were paid, the remaining amount was distributed in equal shares to Larkin and Stephens.
The artist’s rural heritage in England
Among the assets that made up the actress’ inheritance, an extensive rural property in England stands out. The site housed several buildings, including barns, a stable and its own vineyard. In addition, the main residence had five bedrooms, offering ample space for the family.
Maggie Smith has lived on this property for four decades. It was in this scenario that she raised her children alongside her first husband, Robert Stephens, establishing a lasting home with significant roots in the place. The inventory settlement period and the complexity of the assets explain the late disclosure of the details of the fortune.
Signing the will and other beneficiaries
Maggie Smith’s will was signed in 1998, about a year and a half before the death of her second husband, Beverley Cross. The document established that any copyrights, future royalties and unpublished works would be treated separately from the rest of the estate.
- The income from these rights and works was divided equally between:
- *Chris Larkin (son)
* Toby Stephens (son)
* Philippa Maughan (daughter of Beverley Cross)
* Shaun Cross (son of Beverley Cross)
This clause ensures that the actress’s artistic legacy continues to benefit not only her biological children, but also the heirs of her last partner, reflecting the breadth of her family ties.
Maggie Smith’s Iconic Career Beyond Hogwarts
Widely admired by fans of the ‘Harry Potter’ saga for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a role she played between 2001 and 2011, Maggie Smith had a prolific and diverse career that spanned decades. His talent was recognized on various stages and screens, accumulating an impressive list of works in theater, cinema and television. The breadth of his work is a testament to his profound impact on art.
Legacy in cinema and television recognized by awards
Maggie Smith’s excellence in her art has earned her international prestige and numerous awards. She was nominated six times for the Oscar, the most coveted award in the film industry, and won the statuette on two separate occasions:
- Best Actressfor her performance in ‘The Spring of a Spinster’ (1969).
- Best Supporting Actressfor his performance in ‘California Suite’ (1978).
In addition to the Oscars, the actress also captivated audiences in television productions, such as the acclaimed series ‘Downton Abbey’. Her ability to transition between dramatic and comedic roles masterfully solidified her status as one of the grande dames of British acting, leaving a cultural heritage as valuable as her material fortune, a testament to her longevity and artistic versatility.
