In The News
Magge Smith Diagnosed with Cancer; Prognosis "looks good"
SmithThe Telegraph has reported today that Dame Maggie Smith, known to Potter film fans as Prof. McGonagall, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had a tumor removed and has undergone a course of chemotherapy; the prognosis “looks good,” a friend of hers told the paper.
Everyone on staff at, and, we’re sure, reading Leaky wishes this fine actress a double measure of luck and health to counteract this difficult turn of events.
You can write to Dame Maggie Smith at Leavesden Studios:
c/o Harry Potter Production
Leavesden Studios
P.O. Box 3000
Leavesden, Hertfordshire
WD25 7LT
United Kingdom
On a related note, for the past few weeks, have been discussing (on PotterCast) releasing a limited-time “pink” version of our holiday charity album, Jingle Spells, to benefit breast cancer research. As this news highlights that issue through a Potter lens, we would appreciate those who would be interested in buying a copy leaving a comment here so that we could get an idea of how many to order and whether it’s a good idea. This would be donated to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. (I will be taking part in this walk in October; to contribute to the cause please visit this link.) Our Jingle Spells holiday fundraiser brought in more than $34,000, and the donation has been made to Book Aid (expect a full post on this matter shortly); for this run the blue cover art would be turned pink.
(And PS, if you are still having a problem receiving your holiday order of JS, contact me privately, please, as this post isn’t the place to address it. There are probably a few straggling missing orders out there and we want to make sure to get everyone’s.)
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I am so glad that it seems Ms. Smith will be fine. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.


I would totally buy it. I hope she recovers well and quickly. it is so sad!! but we can all do something to help by supporting the amazing Miss Melissa.

I never got around to getting a CD in time, so I’l definitely buy a “pink” Jingle Spells. :) I know how it feels to have a family member experience this disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dame Smith.

I echo the sentiments of everyone here, especially ‘Professor Potter’...it doesn’t matter if she never makes another Potter movie…yes, we’ll miss her. But it’s more important to have her well. I, too, would like the CD. I got mine, at Chirstmas. I also know at least three other people who would love it [cost, please!]. They are Potter Fans, and we all love Dame Maggie Smith. Get well, Maggie, we love you. Prayers, wishes and all good luck, in your battle! ‘Avada Kadavra to those cells!

This is positively terrible! I wish her the best of luck in coping with this and hope she overcomes it!

As a multple cancer survivor, all I have to say is I m praying for you Mrs. Mc (Maggie) !!!!!
Go “PINK”!!!!!!!!

I will totally buy this album. I didn’t know about Jingle Spells until it was to late, so I am all over buying this one. Plus that I love pink does help. Put me down as a future buyer!

I am definitely interested in buying the special edition CD, and know the money will be going to a wonderful foundation and important cause. I wish Maggie Smith all the best and that she can combat and overcome this disease that affects so many people and families.

I’ve admired Dame Maggie Smith for 30 years—she’s an irreplaceable treasure and I wish her all strength as she recovers.

Best wishes to our favourite tartan-wearing professor! Hope she feels better soon x

Good luck, Maggie! I wonder if they’ve taken her to St. Mungo’s?

All the best wishes to Ms Smith! You are such a wonderful actress! Please do stay strong, we’re all with you in our minds. My older sister is currently also fighting breast cancer, so I would gladly want to support the Pink JS.
I would be interested in the CD too, but how about the shipping cost to Germany?

I know a few people in my family with breast cancer and i’m sad to find out that Maggie Smith has it too. >< i’d be interested in the jingle spells cd! i think its a great idea! _

I hope she gets well soon, i think i’ll send her a get well soon card.

My thoughts are with you, Dame Maggie and I pray for a speedy and healthy recover. God bless you.

If it’s different songs I’ll buy, but I already have Jingle Spells; so I probably wouldn’t buy another copy.

It’s horrible that Dame Maggie has breast cancer. I really hope that she gets well soon.

I’d buy one. All the best to Maggie Smith – all in our house wish you a complete recovery, you’re in our thoughts.

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I’d buy it!