Lucy Davis has spoken for the first time after revealing her incurable breast cancer diagnosis. The 53-year-old British actor, known for playing Dawn in the original The Office, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, explaining it was 'too late' for chemotherapy. She was quickly flooded with support from fellow celebrities, including former co-star Ricky Gervais and her father, comedian Jasper Carrott.
Davis Thanks Fans for Support
In a new Instagram post, Davis thanked those who reached out, while also joking that some had misunderstood her previous post and commented their condolences. Alongside an old video of her learning to skateboard, to 'lighten things up', she wrote: "Ok, so the last two days have been utterly overwhelming, in that I had ZERO idea my cancer post would have the attention it did. Truly, I am in shock."
She added: "That said…. THANK YOU to everyone for the tremendous amount of kindness and support you have sent me. Good grief it was emotional! I am trying to go thru all the comments on my post - and I’ll get there! Just give me a bit of time:)" Davis also addressed those who misread the news: "Also, to the couple of people who slightly misread the news and commented R.I.P., you’ll be delighted to know I am still alive - hurrah!"
Fans Praise Davis as an Inspiration
Fans branded Davis an inspiration for going public with her diagnosis, with many praising her response in the comments. One wrote: "You're absolutely incredible Lucy! You are so loved! Thank you for sharing this beautiful video & funny moment with us! You've been a part of so many people's lives through many of your amazing acting roles over the decades! Keep shining Queen."
Another replied: "You have encouraged such awareness and bravery in so many others in the same situation, at the dawn of an exciting new beginning." An Instagram user added: "You go girl, know kick up some dust, have a blast and make memories for those who love you. Not sending love, but sending hope for you to have the best fun."
Davis Shares Diagnosis Details
Earlier this week, Davis spoke for the first time about her illness, revealing she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer over a year ago. In the post, she confirmed the condition had "metastasized" to her bones, including her spine, right hip and ribs, meaning it was now "too late" for chemotherapy. She said: "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. The thing that has been most vital to me is humour."
She continued: "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. There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell. I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it."
Career Highlights
Davis started her showbiz career in the early 90s, landing roles in The Detective alongside her dad. It wasn’t until 2001 when she claimed her breakthrough part as Dawn Tinsley in The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. After this, she appeared in Shaun Of The Dead and the 2017 film Wonder Woman, among many other projects. She also delighted a new generation of fans with her role as Hilda Spellman in the Netflix series The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, opposite Kiernan Shipka, Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo and Gavin Leatherwood.
