In The News

Magge Smith Diagnosed with Cancer; Prognosis "looks good"

Smith
Posted by: Melissa
March 18, 2008, 02:04 PM

The 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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Comments (244) | Average 3.4 (235 votes) Browse all Recent Smith News
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13 
AprilJ

We love you Dame Maggie! I’d buy a copy of JS.

Posted by AprilJ on March 18, 2008 @ 11:02 PM
mykelrune

Relieved to hear that the prognosis for Maggie Smith looks good. Hoping she gets better real quick!

Posted by mykelrune on March 19, 2008 @ 12:11 AM
mykelrune

I forgot to add that I would be interested in buying a “pink” copy of JS. Anything for a good cause and Maggie Smith!

Posted by mykelrune on March 19, 2008 @ 12:12 AM
Justin the Mighty

I’d be very interested in buying a “pink” copy of Jingle Spells. Go for it! runs off to write a letter for Maggie

Posted by Justin the Mighty on March 19, 2008 @ 12:13 AM
bookworm

Hope she get’s well! Get Well Soon!!!!!!!!!1

Posted by bookworm on March 19, 2008 @ 12:51 AM
Ravi Krishna

That’s so sad… my best wishes are with you!

Posted by Ravi Krishna on March 19, 2008 @ 12:56 AM
HPBrian

Ms. Smith is most certainly in my heart and prayers.

Posted by HPBrian on March 19, 2008 @ 01:13 AM
Boogie Bird

I’d love to buy a JS Cd to help out. Best of luck to Maggie!

Posted by Boogie Bird on March 19, 2008 @ 01:16 AM
squeaker

You go, Dame Maggie!! You can beat this thing! I’ve had two friends who battled this disease and won. You’re as strong and formidable as your character Prof. McGonagall. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Posted by squeaker on March 19, 2008 @ 01:52 AM
b

We all wish you well Ms. Smith, and send our love. I know I’ll be praying for you!

Posted by b on March 19, 2008 @ 01:58 AM
Katty

Oh that’s so sad to hear. Wishing Maggie Smith a full recovery…:)

Posted by Katty on March 19, 2008 @ 02:32 AM
Elizabeth

Hey Melissa! I’d definitely be interested in purchasing a copy of Jingle Spells, especially if the money goes towards raising breast cancer. My aunt died of breast cancer, and another aunt has been battling it for years. I know the effects of it on families and the impact it has on families, it’s devastating. Count me in :) I could probably give about $15-$25.

Posted by Elizabeth on March 19, 2008 @ 02:49 AM
Reishabh

Well, if she could recover from four stunning spells at her age, she can definitely recover from cancer. Your fans are praying for you Maggie!

Oh, and I’d for sure buy JS!! :)

Posted by Reishabh on March 19, 2008 @ 02:57 AM
The Prince

I wish you all the best, Maggie! Brilliant actress!

Posted by The Prince on March 19, 2008 @ 03:14 AM
jake

i’d buy it :)

Posted by jake on March 19, 2008 @ 03:31 AM
Kerri

I can relate to Dame Maggie Smith. My Mother in-law is currently batteling breast cancer. She just completed her chemotherapy and is moving onto radiation treatment this week. She had a double masectomy and re-construction surgery in one go! I just can not imagine Maggie Smith having the strength to film her parts. From what we’ve learned, you may have two lines but have to wait around all day to get called on set. It’s a waiting game. My Mother in-law, Linda, is wiped out and tired all the time. She was a healthy, strong lady, but now, she’s very tired all the time. You develope anemia from the white blood count level being too low. Well, my prayers go out to brave Maggie and her family.

Posted by Kerri on March 19, 2008 @ 03:59 AM
Jeffery

I would totally buy it!

Posted by Jeffery on March 19, 2008 @ 04:52 AM
Prenz

That’s really sad, but it’s good to know that her treatment’s going well. Wishing her a fast recovery and hope she returns to good health soon.

Posted by Prenz on March 19, 2008 @ 04:57 AM
Prenz

That’s really sad, but it’s good to know that her treatment’s going well. Wishing her a fast recovery and hope she returns to good health soon.

Posted by Prenz on March 19, 2008 @ 04:57 AM
HPfan

I’ve always admired Maggie Smith she is such a wonderful actress. I hope all goes well.

Posted by HPfan on March 19, 2008 @ 05:00 AM
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