Lucy Davis, best known for her role as Dawn in the original UK version of The Office, has received an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities after revealing she has terminal cancer. The 53-year-old actress shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday night, disclosing that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer a year and a half ago.
In her post, Davis explained that the cancer has metastasised to her bones, specifically to her spine, right hip, and ribs. She stated: 'The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.' Despite the diagnosis, she expressed a determination to live life fully, saying she is 'trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can' and that she is 'not scared of whatever comes next.'
Stars Rally Around Lucy Davis
Among the many messages of support, Jenna Fischer, who played Pam in the US version of The Office, 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!' Fischer, who announced her own breast cancer diagnosis in October 2024, has been a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. Davis and Fischer share a connection through their roles as counterparts in the two versions of the show, and Davis appeared on Fischer's podcast Office Ladies in July last year.
Ricky Gervais, co-creator of the UK The Office, also left a heart emoji, to which Davis responded with three Xs. Other notable figures included Sarah Paulson and Kiernan Shipka, Davis's co-star in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, where Davis played Hilda Spellman. Shipka wrote: 'I love you so much Lucy ❤️❤️❤️,' while Jaz Sinclair, another co-star, added: 'I love you Lucy ❤️ so much!' Melissa Joan Hart, star of the 90s series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, commented: 'Your outlook is inspiring and I’m sending you love, prayers and big hugs! And a little magic for a miracle!'
Support from Fellow Cancer Survivors
Trisha Goddard, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice, offered a poignant message, writing: 'Sending big love from a fellow stage 4 club-member. I know what you mean about a sense of humour being important.' In a follow-up comment, she added: 'We’re all members of the club no one wants to join and you’re right… it’s literally about putting 1 foot in front of the other sometimes. Love to you too.'
Marsha Thomason, known for The Bay, sent 'so much love,' and broadcaster Richard Bacon wrote a heartfelt note: 'I’m so sorry to hear this Lucy. You’re clearly a magnificent person. I hope you continue working. I love that you do work for animal rights. I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Your post is perfectly pitched. You are iconic and I wish you well and I hope that “well” lasts a long time.'
Davis's Plans and Poignant Video
Davis's Instagram post included a video of her reading a poem and ringing a bell, a tradition often associated with completing treatment. The poem read: 'Ring this bell three times well, it’s a toll to clearly say, my treatments are done, the course is run, and I am on my way.' She then quipped, 'I might not ring it three times,' before ringing it once to cheers and applause.
In her caption, Davis emphasised her commitment to continuing her work in animal rights and acting, stating: 'I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.' She also reflected on the lessons from her experience: '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.'
For those affected by cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support offers a helpline at 0808 808 00 00, open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, along with webchat and online resources.
