It has been nearly three years since retired supermodel and beloved Australian actress Virginia Hey was diagnosed with an aggressive and life-altering form of cancer. Despite the challenges, the resilient star credits her irrepressible sense of humor and positive outlook for helping her endure the toughest battle of her life.
“I have a rare and insidious form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and I suspect it had been lurking for years,” says Virginia, 72, speaking from her London home. “For a long time, I felt inexplicably tired and worn out, which led to my retirement five years ago. Then, in June 2022, I received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. At the time, my oncologists feared I had only six to 15 months to live.”
Virginia doesn’t let Cancer slow her down! (Credit: Supplied)
“But here I am, still standing and making remarkable progress,” she adds. “Alongside expert medical care and cutting-edge treatments, I firmly believe that my positivity and refusal to surrender have played a huge role in my journey to survival.”
Virginia’s response to her diagnosis was pragmatic and determined. “Did I panic? No. I immediately adopted a logical, mind-over-matter approach. I had so many questions: What is this? How do we treat it? What can I do to prepare? I focused on arming myself mentally for the fight ahead. Staying cheerful has always been essential for me. I’ve never welcomed doom and gloom into my life.”
A smiling Virginia appeared at London’s Comic Con last month. (Credit: Supplied)
Known for her stunning looks and charismatic presence, Virginia’s modeling career began in the 1970s when she was discovered at a bus stop while attending art college. Her career spanned global magazine covers and iconic roles in TV shows like Prisoner, Neighbours, E Street, and the sci-fi cult classic Farscape. She also appeared in films such as Mad Max 2 and The Living Daylights alongside James Bond actor Timothy Dalton.
Reflecting on those years, Virginia says, “It all feels like a lifetime ago. I had incredible experiences and met fascinating people, especially during my decade in Los Angeles. But my priority now is on healing, feeling strong, and living fully again.”
Virginia’s journey has not been without physical challenges. Following a fall in her garden, X-rays revealed the cancer had spread to her right leg’s tibia, leaving her wheelchair-bound. Intense chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant eventually eradicated the cancer in her leg, but by late 2023, it had spread to other areas, including her left leg, chest, lower back, hip, and thigh.
Virginia lit up the big screen as an actress. (Credit: Supplied)
“I’ve lost my hair three times but never wore wigs, opting instead for colorful bandannas. Through it all, I’ve held onto hope, which I think is critical,” she says.
In June 2024, a breakthrough came when Virginia’s hematologist introduced a revolutionary immunotherapy tailored to her cancer. “So far, it has destroyed 75 percent of the cancer in my body,” Virginia shares. “I’m out of the wheelchair, using crutches, and even attending exercise classes. Moving again feels incredible.”
Virginia finds joy in simple pleasures, particularly tending to her garden. “I live in a leafy part of London, and my garden has always been a sanctuary. Even during the toughest times, I’d put on music and dance in my wheelchair. And my tabby cat, Brae, has been a constant source of laughter and comfort.”
With her immunotherapy scheduled to conclude in February, Virginia and her medical team are optimistic about the future. “It’s a waiting game, but I’m staying positive. I have some beautiful angels watching over me. Right now, I feel happy and at peace.”
