Magge Smith Diagnosed with Cancer; Prognosis "looks good"

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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

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Sending healings spells your way, Dame Maggie. We could not have anyone else than you for our dear Minerva McGonagal. Recover quickly.

Posted by Rhiannon on March 18, 2008, 07:55 PM report to moderator

That’s awful, but I’m glad they caught it early. Maggie Smith is the most awesome person in the HP films! One of the only good things about those films actually.

Posted by pigwidgeon on March 18, 2008, 07:56 PM report to moderator

i hope you aren’t feeling all that bad! You are like the one true mcgonagal! Get well soon!

Posted by RosieWeasley on March 18, 2008, 07:57 PM report to moderator

Am so sorry to hear of her illness. Sincerest good wishes for a fast and full recovery!

Posted by Jill on March 18, 2008, 07:58 PM report to moderator

I fel so sad for her, but happy at the same time that the prognosis is good. I plan to persona;ly send her a well-wishing note – thanks for putting up that info. Professor M is one of my favorite characters and probably my favorite HP teacher. I hope everything goes well for her and the rest of the cast for the last 3 films.

Posted by denise on March 18, 2008, 08:02 PM report to moderator

That was quite a shock when I read it this morning. All my best wishes for a full recovery. Maggie is absolutely the perfect McGonagall and the pinnacle of our acting world.

Posted by anne on March 18, 2008, 08:04 PM report to moderator

Maggie Smith in my view is such a wonderful and unique actress. I enjoy every film she has been in since seeing her as Miss Brodie (the Prime of Miss Brodie – must see british classic). I wish her well in her recovery. She must take it easy though especially at her age. I have to say, if it means no more potter films then so be it, they are only movies at the end of the day. I actually think she would want to still make the potter films but her health must come first. Ava Kadvra to those evil cancer cells!

Posted by Professor Potter on March 18, 2008, 08:04 PM report to moderator

Aww…This is terrible! I hope Maggie has a quick recovery! I will most likely buy a copy of JS!

Posted by lunafan12 on March 18, 2008, 08:04 PM report to moderator

Dame Maggie Smith in my view is such a wonderful and unique actress. I enjoy every film she has been in since seeing her as Miss Brodie (the Prime of Miss Brodie – must see british classic). I wish her well in her recovery. She must take it easy though especially at her age. I have to say, if it means no more potter films then so be it, they are only movies at the end of the day. I actually think she would want to still make the potter films but her health must come first. Ava Kadvra to those evil cancer cells!

Posted by Professor Potter on March 18, 2008, 08:05 PM report to moderator

I’m sure she’ll be alright. I’ll pray for her every night

yay for Maggie!

Posted by Facundo on March 18, 2008, 08:06 PM report to moderator

i hope that Dame Maggie come through this as quickly and as easily as possible

i’d buy a pink copy of JS

Posted by Michelle on March 18, 2008, 08:08 PM report to moderator

My heart and prayers go out to Maggie Smith and her family. I was raised on movies like Clash of the Titans, The Secret Garden, and Hook, no one could have played Proffessor McGonagall but you, I wish you well.

Posted by Carebie on March 18, 2008, 08:09 PM report to moderator

I’d buy it!

Posted by sarahc on March 18, 2008, 08:12 PM report to moderator

I am so glad that it seems Ms. Smith will be fine. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Posted by Twin2 on March 18, 2008, 08:13 PM report to moderator

Get well, Dame Maggie! What’s the cost of the CD?

Posted by MinervaMcG on March 18, 2008, 08:14 PM report to moderator