Magge Smith Diagnosed with Cancer; Prognosis "looks good"
Smith
Posted by: Melissa
March 18, 2008, 06:04 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.)
224 Comments
Dear Dame Maggie, my heart goes out to you and your family. Having been through it with my Mum I know just what you’ve been going through. I wish you a full and speedy recovery!
It’s a sad fact that we never quite realize just how frighteningly common this disease is, until it hits close to home. Wouldn’t it be a great tribute to Maggie Smith if we could all get together and support Melissa as she tries to raise money for the Avon Walk. It’s great that so many of you seem to want to buy the pink Jingle Spells CD, but for those who already have it or feel they can’t afford it, it would be lovely if you could sponsor Melissa, even just a small amount. $1 from everyone who reads this sad news about one of “our” Harry Potter actors could raise a lot of money and make a huge difference in the fight against cancer!
Posted by Neil in Scotland on March 18, 2008, 07:18 PM
I’ll buy one. Hang in there Maggie!
Posted by Diagon Alley Cat on March 18, 2008, 07:27 PM
Count me in—I’d be happy to buy a copy.
Posted by missyme on March 18, 2008, 07:38 PM
I’ll buy a cd!
Maggie Smith is so brilliant, I wish her the very best of luck and health. Thanks Melissa for doing the walk!!
Posted by Kaela on March 18, 2008, 07:40 PM
OMG. I hape she gets back to health very soon. We’re all praying for you!!!
Posted by Sasha on March 18, 2008, 08:14 PM
All my heart to Dame Maggie Smith. I would gladly buy a copy of Jingle Spells in pink to support the Avon Walk. Bless you for doing the walk Mel. It’s an inspiration to other to get involved. Plus think of the great exercise!
Posted by Sara on March 18, 2008, 08:27 PM
Oh, I’d buy it in a heartbeat!
Posted by silly rabbit on March 18, 2008, 08:52 PM
I wish you a speedy recovery Maggie! You will be in my thoughts!
Posted by Ashley on March 18, 2008, 09:05 PM
I also wish Dame Maggie Smith well. I would buy three copies, one for myself and my daughter (11), my mom and my sister as well since we are all Harry Potter fans and we all enjoy watching her play the part of Prof. McGonagall. Get well soon!!
Posted by Melanie on March 18, 2008, 09:13 PM
I’d probably buy it!
Posted by Jeanette on March 18, 2008, 09:26 PM
I wish Dame Maggie Smith a complete and speedy recovery! I love her portrayal of McGonagall. I’d be glad to buy the special edition of the cd.
Posted by Fawkesfan on March 18, 2008, 09:26 PM
Thoughts and prayers for Professor M. I would definitely buy another copy of Jingle Spells. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor….this is such a worthy cause.
Posted by dixiekitty on March 18, 2008, 09:27 PM
I would do anything for that elegant, lovely Lady. Count me in!!!!
Posted by Dan O'Brien on March 18, 2008, 09:45 PM
I would love to buy a copy! Good luck, Professor.
Posted by Emalee on March 18, 2008, 09:47 PM
We love you Dame Maggie! I’d buy a copy of JS.
Posted by AprilJ on March 18, 2008, 10:02 PM
Dear Dame Maggie, my heart goes out to you and your family. Having been through it with my Mum I know just what you’ve been going through. I wish you a full and speedy recovery!
It’s a sad fact that we never quite realize just how frighteningly common this disease is, until it hits close to home. Wouldn’t it be a great tribute to Maggie Smith if we could all get together and support Melissa as she tries to raise money for the Avon Walk. It’s great that so many of you seem to want to buy the pink Jingle Spells CD, but for those who already have it or feel they can’t afford it, it would be lovely if you could sponsor Melissa, even just a small amount. $1 from everyone who reads this sad news about one of “our” Harry Potter actors could raise a lot of money and make a huge difference in the fight against cancer!