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 was so surprised to hear this. I hope that everything goes well for her and that she has a full recovery.
On March 8th, 2008 I lost my sister to Breast Cancer. It is one of the most horrible deseases around. The pain is still very vivid in my heart.
I will pray for Dame Maggie. She is my favortie character in the Harry Potter series which is why I use her name. :)
Get well Professor MCG. and count me in for the CD.
I’ll def buy one of the CDs!! My aunt was just diagnosed with cancer… so it’s great that you guys are doing something to help to cause!
Yes, I certainly would buy at least two copies of the pink package. I do love and appreciate Dame Maggie as the actress who has bourne the memory of so many great roles for me, not the least of which has been the “bloody brilliant” Professor McGonagall . I would hope that aside from that Potter connection we can all support this cause for all the women and men ( yes, men do get breast cancer) we love and appreciate in our lives. Just a little recommendation for older fans. For anyone who ever loved a difficult woman or questioned how someone else could, Dame Maggie Smith had a comedic turn in ” The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” which bears watching. I hope and pray the best for her and all those who face the same battle with courage and dignity. Let them know they are loved and never alone.
I’ll def buy one of the CDs!! My aunt was just diagnosed with cancer… so it’s great that you guys are doing something to help to cause!
I’ll by a copy or two or three of anything you want to put out for this.
How horrible, I’m glad that they caught it early though. I wish Dame Maggie the best, she definitely has the right mind set to beat the beast. Cancer is a horrid disease, and I hope she makes a full recovery. Best wishes from here in the states!
To all those who is only interested in buying if “it has different songs” as you “already have a copy”, buy it for a friend! Just buy it, if it’s offered! You’ll be helping Dame Maggie and how many countless others! I’ll bet JKR might even be interested! {it could happen! :D]
Perhaps her popularity will bring renewed efforts and greater attention to the cause. I’ll buy 5 copies.
Aww… that sucks, man I hope she gets better. She’s awesome. Good luck Maggie Smith.
Keep fighting Professor! Best of wishes and speedy recovery! Us HP fans will never give up!
I would definitely purchase several copies! Wishing the best for Maggie!!
OMFG!!!!! i hope she recovrs shes so good!! Anyway kinda odd aint it? prof. mcgonagall gets hit by multiple stupefies in the chest n now shes got cancer???
I would buy a non Xmas wizard rock benefit CD but I’m not likely to buy another Jingle Spells.
My very best wishes to Dame Maggie Smith, I’m very glad to hear that she is doing good, she is the absolute perfect Professor McGonagall and was one of the precious few highlights of GoF.
I would purchase a “pink” copy of Jingle Spells to support such a worthy cause. Thank you, Melissa!
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She’s so tough! One of the many reasons I admire her.