Actress Lucy Davis, known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in the US version of "The Office," has revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis. The 53-year-old shared on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with incurable stage four breast cancer that has metastasised to her bones, including her spine, hip, and ribs.
Following her announcement, Davis received a wave of support from fellow actors and public figures. Jenna Fischer, who played a version of Davis's character in "The Office" US, shared a message of solidarity. Fischer, herself a breast cancer survivor, wrote, "Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!"
Amanda Abbington, who worked with Davis on the 2010 series "Married Single Other," sent "the biggest cuddle and all my love." Piers Morgan described the news as "devastating" and praised Davis's "courage in talking about this so honestly." Other messages of support came from Ulrika Jonsson and "Gavin & Stacey" star Laura Aikman.
Davis shared her diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post accompanied by a video of her ringing a cancer treatment bell. She explained that she discovered a "tiny, hard spot" in her breast a year ago and almost did not get it checked. She emphasized the importance of not ignoring any health concerns and getting them examined by a doctor.
"The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo," Davis stated. She described her current approach to life as trying "to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can." She also noted that humor has been vital in coping with the illness, and she has asked friends and family not to treat her as a sick person, as she finds that makes her feel unwell.
Davis expressed that she is "not scared of whatever comes next" and is "at peace with it." She believes leaving her physical body will mean "going home" and that any grieving will be hardest for her family. She remains committed to her work for animal rights and wishes to continue acting, stating she is "perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life."
Breast Cancer Now released a statement expressing sorrow for Davis's diagnosis and sending thoughts to her and her loved ones. Sally Kum of Breast Cancer Now highlighted that Davis's openness will resonate with many living with metastatic breast cancer, which remains incurable despite treatment advances. The organization stressed the need for increased investment in research and better treatments for the disease.
Davis, who is also known for her role as Hilda Spellman in "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" and Etta Candy in the 2017 film "Wonder Woman," has a history of health challenges. She received a kidney transplant in 1997 and has been open about her past struggles with bulimia, which peaked around the time of her divorce in 2011. She is the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott.