Actor Lucy Davis told audiences she is “grateful” for their overwhelming support following her public announcement that she has incurable stage four breast cancer, according to coverage by the BBC and iNews.
Public Appearance at London Sci-Fi Convention
The 53-year-old actress made her first public appearance since her diagnosis at the For The Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi convention at Excel London on Saturday, as reported by iNews. Davis revealed her illness to the public on August 11, stating that the cancer had metastasised to her bones a year and a half prior and that it was “too late” for chemotherapy, according to the BBC. During her appearance at the convention, Davis needed assistance to get on and off the stage for a 30-minute panel, as noted by iNews.
Reflecting on ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and Career Advice
Davis appeared on a headline panel alongside Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright and lead actor Simon Pegg, according to the BBC and iNews. In the 2004 cult zombie-comedy, Davis played Dianne, an aspiring actress and core member of the survivor group. According to the BBC, she recalled her favorite memories of filming as the moments “when we all pretended to be zombies and walked across the square; it was like being naughty schoolkids.” Fans during the convention shouted “I love you so much,” though she was not asked directly about her health on stage, the BBC reported.
When an audience member asked for advice on breaking into the film industry, Davis received a round of applause. According to iNews, she told the crowd: “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do or be anything you want to do or be. We all grow up with a different life with a different world telling us we all have limitations. None of us do, our only limitations are things that we think are limiting. We can do anything, or be anybody, and don’t apologise for that.”
Overwhelming Response from Fans
Davis, who is also widely known for playing receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the BBC sitcom The Office and is the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, expressed shock at the volume of responses she received after sharing her diagnosis, according to the BBC and iNews. Two days after her initial announcement, she posted on Instagram to thank supporters. According to iNews, 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. That said, thank you to everyone for the tremendous amount of kindness and support you have sent me. Good grief it was emotional.”
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