Actor Lucy Davis, best known for portraying Dawn Tinsley in the original U.K. “The Office” series, has announced she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, and that the disease is “incurable.”
Davis, 53, shared the health news in an Instagram post Aug. 11 The post included a video of the actor ringing a bell seemingly in the cancer ward of a hospital. In the clip, she read a note that said, “Ring this bell three times well. It’s a toll to clearly say, ‘My treatments are done, the course has run and I am on my way.’” She then rang the bell once and smiled as she received applause.
But her message had a more somber tone, as the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” star revealed her cancer has spread to her bones.
“Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I’ve kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now,” she began in the post. “A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.”
She recalled initially feeling a hard spot in her chest that was so tiny she almost didn’t get it examined.
“So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything — get everything checked out,” she wrote and added a smiley face.
“As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that,” she continued.
Although she has a feeling of gratitude, Davis has also been experiencing intense pain. She said that at times she struggles to stand or walk and has had to use a wheelchair.
“So if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!” she playfully said.
Through this dark time in her life, Davis said humor has played an important role and given her some sense of normalcy.
“I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person,” she shared. “There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell.”
Despite her incurable diagnosis, Davis said she is not fearful and is “at peace” with the situation.
“I’ll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home,” she said, referring to her dog who died two years ago. “Any and all grieving is for my family; it’s far harder for them than for me.”
She added that she’s not slowing down when it comes to her animal rights activism. She also hopes to keep booking roles.
“I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life,” Davis wrote.
At the end of her post, she sent well wishes to all cancer patients and told her fans how much she loves them.
Fans and former co-stars, like Ricky Gervais and Kiernan Shipka, left supportive messages in the comments.
“The Office” star Jenna Fischer, who revealed in 2024 that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now cancer free, wrote kind words to her fellow sitcom receptionist.
“Beautiful post. Love you lots,” Fischer said. “And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!”