Maggie Smith's his mum?

Yes, it's true that Maggie Smith is his mum, but he has talked about how difficult it was for him when he went to drama school - how other students put him down and gave him a hard time due to the fact that he's the son of M.S. and Robert Stephens. I think he's earned his acting credentials.

His parentage may have opened some doors but you don't play the roles he's had for 20-odd years without a considerable amount of talent.

yes, just read that!
---
toh devres tseb hsid a si msacras

OP it isn't always that easy to get a career because your parent is already a name in the profession they work in.

I just learned that family fact minutes ago! I'm watching Black Sails S2E3
as I write this and made a quick search on him just for kicks and was blown
away by his famous parents!

---
Your cute 🐈 will DIE eating dry food! Go to Dr. Pierson's
CATINFO.ORG to prevent it!