By Variety | Created at 2026-08-11 18:06:22 | Updated at 2026-08-11 19:38:10
2 hours ago
Lucy Davis, best known for playing receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the original U.K. edition of “The Office,” has revealed that she has terminal cancer.
Writing on Instagram, Davis said she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer a year and a half ago after discovering a lump on her breast. The cancer had “metastasized to my bones,” she said, specifically her spine, right hip, and ribs, and was “incurable, and too late for chemo.”
“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 wrote.
“The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. 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.”
Davis, who also appeared in cult British comedy “Sean of the Dead” and later 2017’s “Wonder Woman” added: “I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it.”
As the under-appreciated Wernham Hogg receptionist Dawn in “The Office,” Davis — the daughter of British comedian Jasper Carrot — became a fan favourite on the show, particularly for her slow-burn relationship with Martin Freeman’s Tim. After two seasons of flirting and near-misses, the two wound up having a happy ending together in the Christmas special finale. Dawn would later become the basis for Jenna Fischer’s Pam Beesly in the U.S. version.
“I still would like to keep working. I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life,” Davis added in her Instagram post. “For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose.”
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