In a surprising legal twist, the children of Dame Maggie Smith have taken legal action against the estate of the late Sir Laurence Olivier. This comes after an alleged statement from Olivier’s unpublished memoir surfaced, making harsh claims about Smith’s character. The statement, reportedly discovered by an archivist, describes Dame Maggie as “difficult” and “uncooperative” during her early years with Olivier at the National Theatre.
Smith’s two children, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, responded swiftly, stating that their mother’s legacy as a revered actress should not be tarnished by unsubstantiated criticisms. “Our mother gave her heart to the theater and worked tirelessly alongside Sir Laurence,” they commented through their lawyer, who filed a defamation lawsuit on their behalf. They argue that Olivier’s remarks could undermine Dame Maggie’s contributions and damage her reputation.
The lawsuit raises questions about the responsibility of preserving the integrity of influential figures in British theater. Some industry insiders speculate whether the defamation case could alter how posthumous statements from prominent figures are handled, especially when they involve unverified claims.
Supporters of Dame Maggie Smith, including several from the acting community, have voiced their solidarity with her family. They emphasize her reputation for professionalism and excellence, arguing that her legacy should be celebrated, not tarnished by claims she is no longer here to dispute. This case now awaits its first hearing, with the theater world watching closely for any legal precedents it might set.
