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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.)

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226 Comments

cami

NO! i hope she gets a full recovery fast!

Posted by cami on March 21, 2008, 02:04 AM report to moderator
DEBORAH

I PRAY YOU WILL BE HEALTHY SOON.

Posted by DEBORAH on March 21, 2008, 02:59 AM report to moderator
DEBORAH

GET WELL SOON !!!!! I PRAY YOU WILL BE HEALTHY SOON.

Posted by DEBORAH on March 21, 2008, 03:01 AM report to moderator
susan

Maggie, I have been a fan of yours since you played Wendy in “Hook”, that is when I fell in love with your acting…You are a pro and bring a presence to the stage and film that I believe most actresses would crave to copy.

Get the best care and fight! I can’t imagine anyone else in the role of Prof. McG.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are all behind you and are pulling for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by susan on March 21, 2008, 03:46 AM report to moderator
susan

Put me down for a Jingle Spells cd too, I missed out also, didn’t hear the podcasts until too late!!! Way to go Potterfans, always willing to put our money behind a good cause!

Posted by susan on March 21, 2008, 03:50 AM report to moderator
DEBORAH

BEST WISHES TO YOU. I HOPE YOU HAVE A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

Posted by DEBORAH on March 22, 2008, 01:08 AM report to moderator
YoungerGranger

I would definitely buy a copy of JS and I wish Prof M a full and speedy recovery.

Posted by YoungerGranger on March 22, 2008, 05:38 AM report to moderator
Cathy

It recovers completely it will wish quickly.

(I’m Korean student. I hope you can bear with my poor English. Please understand that I’m not really a good writer of English.)

Posted by Cathy on March 22, 2008, 08:16 AM report to moderator
Cortney

id buy it anything for maggie and to find a cure for cancer

Posted by Cortney on March 24, 2008, 02:32 PM report to moderator
Nan

I am very sad to her hear about Maggie Smith’s Breast Cancer diagnosis. However, I have faith that she will recover. As the daughter of a Breast Cancer patient, I can relate personally to this story. My mother was diagnosed last October. She was afraid to go to the doctor because she knew she would have to face her illness. Ten years ago, she survived another form of Cancer. She was Cancer free for several years until she found a lump in one of her breasts. There was no prior history of Breast Cancer in our family so we were all shocked to learn of her diagnosis. After her surgery, she spent a month or so recovering in bed. A week later she started chemotherapy. It’s only been a few months, her fight continues but she is doing a whole lot better. Sometimes, I forget she is even sick. I know at first it might seem like the world is ending but it isn’t, not really. So long as you continue to hope and pray, you can beat this monster called Cancer. I remember her telling me a few months ago that no matter what obstacles she had to face. She would face them bravely and would continue to survive the battle because she had already survived life and would forever cherish her time spent in this world. I wish her all my best. My mother says you will be in her prayers and she wishes you a speedy recovery. I really admire Maggie Smith as an actress. I just loved her in the films “A room with a view”, co –starring Helen Bonham Carter, and film “The secret Garden.” I absolutely love you in the role of Professor McGonagall. I’m extremely grateful for the hard work you have done in bringing this character to life. I wish you the best in your recovery.

Posted by Nan on March 24, 2008, 04:53 PM report to moderator
Gayle

Sign me up! The more money that can be raised, the closer we are to a cure!

Posted by Gayle on March 24, 2008, 06:34 PM report to moderator
nezziekiki

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! DONT DIE, MAGGIE!! I WILL DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU FROM DYING!!!!!

Posted by nezziekiki on March 24, 2008, 07:44 PM report to moderator
Lee Anna

My prayers are with Dame Maggie. Many couragous women have fought this same battle & have lost. i sincerely pray that Dame Maggie is not one of those. I have great admiration for you Dame Maggie!

Posted by Lee Anna on March 25, 2008, 12:34 AM report to moderator
valeria

i would really like to receive one, if it’s possible to get it in italy!! i hope dame maggie smith will be better soon

Posted by valeria on March 25, 2008, 05:34 PM report to moderator
Charlotte DeBurgh

Best of all wishes to Dame Maggie. She is in our hearts and prayers. A ‘pink” copy of the disk would be welcomed as a way to pay respect and help this worthy cause.

Posted by Charlotte DeBurgh on March 26, 2008, 04:47 AM report to moderator
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