The legacy of Dame Maggie Smith continues to inspire as her son, actor Toby Stephens, champions the importance of reading through the charity Give A Book. Following the acclaimed actress’s passing at the age of 89 in January 2023, Smith’s profound impact on both the entertainment industry and the community is being celebrated, particularly through her son’s efforts to promote literacy.
Dame Maggie, renowned for her roles in productions ranging from Harry Potter to Downton Abbey, was both a beloved figure and a private individual who valued her craft over fame. “She was incredible but she never really coveted fame,” reflects Stephens. His recollections of his mother reveal a woman who deeply valued literature, a passion she instilled in him and his brother, Chris. “Reading and books were a huge part of my mum’s life,” he shares, emphasizing their significance in a world increasingly distracted by technology.
Toby Stephens is now an ambassador for Give A Book, a charity that seeks to enhance literacy in underserved communities, including prisons and disadvantaged children. Founded by Victoria Gray, the charity has made strides in addressing the literacy crisis within the UK prison system, where data from the Ministry of Justice indicates that 57% of adult prisoners possess literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old. “Books are an amazing way of showing that we’re all connected,” says Stephens, highlighting the therapeutic and escapist qualities of reading.
The charity recently participated in the Big Give, a match-funding initiative that doubles donations to support good causes. “It’s a great charity because it’s trying to get reading into prisons,” he points out, noting the pressing issues of overcrowding and inadequate facilities that inmates face. With over 75 reading groups operating in 50 jails, Give A Book aims to provide comfort and distraction to those incarcerated, particularly during their vulnerable first nights.
Toby’s involvement with the charity was influenced by his late friend, playwright Simon Gray, whose widow Victoria founded the organization after Simon passed away in 2008. “Simon was a massive influence on me and a really close friend,” says Stephens, reminiscing about the impact of their shared experiences in theatre.
As an accomplished actor, Toby Stephens has enjoyed a successful career spanning theatre and film, with notable roles including the Bond villain Gustav Graves in Die Another Day and Mr. Rochester in the BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre. He is currently set to reprise his role as Poseidon in the upcoming second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+, which reflects his commitment to engaging younger audiences with classic literature.
Despite his success, Stephens expresses concern about the decline in reading among young people, attributing this trend to the distractions of modern technology. “The way we now absorb information is becoming so superficial,” he observes, adding that he hopes future generations will rediscover the joy of reading.
As the UK grapples with a growing cost-of-living crisis, initiatives like The Big Give offer a vital opportunity for individuals to support charitable causes. “It doubles donations so your hard-earned money goes even further to change people’s lives,” Stephens emphasizes, reinforcing the importance of collective action in promoting literacy.
In reflecting on his mother’s legacy, Toby Stephens embodies the values of Dame Maggie Smith, encouraging a love of reading that transcends barriers. As he continues to advocate for literacy through Give A Book, it is clear that the passion for literature shared between mother and son remains a powerful force for positive change.
