Lucy Davis, the actress who played receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the original British version of The Office, has revealed that she has incurable stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her bones.
Davis, 53, said in an Instagram post on Aug 11 that she was diagnosed 18 months ago after finding a tiny hard spot in her breast. The cancer has spread to her spine, right hip and ribs and was “too late for chemo”, she said.
“I almost didn’t bother getting it checked,” Davis wrote, urging others not to ignore unusual changes and to have them examined.
She said the disease has caused severe pain and can make standing or walking for long periods difficult.
She sometimes uses a wheelchair, adding with characteristic humour that anyone who spots her in one is welcome to give her a push.
The Office ran from 2001 to 2003. Her character’s slow-burning romance with salesman Tim Canterbury, played by Martin Freeman, became one of the mockumentary’s central storylines.
Humour has been one of the most important parts of coping with the illness, Davis said.
She has encouraged friends and relatives to continue making fun of her and not to treat her as a “sick person”.
“There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell,” she wrote.
Davis said she is trying to enjoy the time she has left and find lessons in her experience.
“I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it,” she said, adding that she expects to be reunited with her late dog, Gracie.
The post included a video showing Davis ringing a hospital bell and reciting a poem commonly read to mark the end of cancer treatment.
Davis said she plans to continue supporting animal rights and hopes to keep acting, describing the profession as one of the greatest joys of her life.
“I’m perfectly able to do so,” she wrote. “Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally, and we all get to do it however we choose.”
Her announcement prompted an outpouring of support from fellow actors, athletes and fans.
Jenna Fischer, who played receptionist Pam Beesly in the American version of The Office, praised Davis and supported her desire to continue acting.
Fischer disclosed in 2024 that she had been treated for breast cancer and was cancer-free after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy, who has terminal prostate cancer, wrote: “Keep going Lucy!”
Ricky Gervais, who co-created and starred in the British version of The Office, responded with a heart emoji.
After The Office, Davis appeared as Dianne in the 2004 comedy-horror film Shaun Of The Dead, Etta Candy in 2017’s Wonder Woman and Hilda Spellman in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina.
She also played Hayley Jordan in the BBC Radio 4 drama The Archers for nearly a decade. – The Straits Times/ANN
