The legacy of Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89 in December 2022, continues to resonate through her son, actor Toby Stephens. In a heartfelt tribute, he reflects on her profound influence, particularly her love for reading, which he has turned into a mission through the charity Give A Book.
Dame Maggie Smith was celebrated for her remarkable contributions to theatre and film over an extraordinary seven-decade career. Her work in iconic productions, from Harry Potter to Downton Abbey, made her a household name, yet according to Stephens, she never sought the fame that accompanied her talent. “She was incredible but she never really coveted fame,” he shared. “It was just her work.”
Growing up in a family steeped in the arts, with his father being actor Robert Stephens, Toby recalls how his mother’s passion for literature shaped his upbringing. “Reading and books were a huge part of my mum’s life. Both my mum and my step-dad, playwright Beverley Cross, read voraciously,” he said. This legacy of literature has become increasingly important to him, especially in today’s technology-driven world where attention spans are diminishing.
Toby’s commitment to promoting literacy through Give A Book is driven by a desire to make a difference in underrepresented communities, including prisons and disadvantaged children. The charity, which has garnered attention as part of the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge, focuses on enhancing access to reading materials in places where they are most needed. Last year, the charity distributed nearly 7,500 books to newly-arrived inmates, recognizing that the first night in prison can be particularly daunting.
“Prisons are a very hot topic at the moment,” Toby noted, highlighting the challenges of overcrowding and outdated facilities. He emphasized the role of books in providing inmates with a sense of connection and escape. “Reading is mentally expanding; it’s about learning, escapism, and sheer joy,” he added.
Research from the UK Ministry of Justice indicates that a staggering 57% of adult prisoners have literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old. Toby pointed out the critical link between literacy and rehabilitation, noting that improved reading skills can significantly reduce recidivism rates. “Part of the purpose of prison is reformative,” he explained. “Reading can help inmates express themselves better and expand their horizons.”
The charity operates over 75 reading groups across 50 jails, fostering a culture of literacy among inmates. Toby’s involvement with Give A Book began through his connection with its founder, Victoria Gray, who launched the organization in memory of her late husband, playwright Simon Gray. “Simon was a massive influence on me and a really close friend,” Toby recalled fondly.
Toby has recently completed his role as Captain Hook in a production of Wendy and Peter Pan at the Barbican in London. His early career flourished at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he gained prominence for his role as Coriolanus. Since then, he has maintained a steady presence in both theatre and film, including his role as Gustav Graves in Die Another Day.
As the second season of Percy Jackson is set to premiere on Disney+, Toby expressed excitement about returning to the United States to film the next season. He highlighted the importance of bringing classical mythology to contemporary audiences, noting the series’ ability to resonate with both young and older fans.
Despite his successes, Toby is concerned about the declining interest in reading among young people, attributing this trend partly to the distractions of smartphones. “I think the way we now absorb information is becoming so superficial,” he remarked, reflecting on his own children’s reading habits. “It seems fairly obvious there’s a connection between the rise in anxiety, depression, and the fact their lives are so consumed by these things.”
Toby advocates for the therapeutic benefits of reading, believing it can provide solace and mindfulness, particularly for those facing difficult circumstances. He reiterated the importance of initiatives like Give A Book, stating, “You’re opening up horizons for people who, through their own poor choices, have become isolated.”
In light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Toby encourages support for charities such as Give A Book, which maximizes donations through initiatives like the Big Give campaign. “It doubles donations so your hard-earned money goes even further to change people’s lives,” he said.
Although many actors dream of portraying the iconic character of James Bond, Toby, having played a villain in the franchise, recognizes the challenge of being typecast. “I’ve got no idea who will be the next Bond,” he admitted, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the role. He enjoys witnessing the evolution of Daniel Craig post-Bond, particularly in his role in the Knives Out franchise.
In conclusion, Toby Stephens continues to honor his mother’s legacy not just through his own performances but also by advocating for the power of literature to transform lives. As Dame Maggie would likely endorse, the impact of reading extends far beyond the page, providing hope and connection in the most unexpected places.
