> At a Glance
> – Marisa Abela was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 23
> – The Industry star underwent 8-hour surgery and radioactive iodine treatment
> – She remains on lifelong medication and attends regular checkups
> – Why it matters: The actress’s story highlights early detection and resilience amid a rising career
Marisa Abela, now 29, has shared that doctors discovered a cancerous thyroid tumor after she complained of unusual fatigue. The diagnosis came in 2020, just as her breakout role in HBO’s Industry launched.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A routine exam revealed a lump on her neck. Within weeks she had an eight-hour operation to remove the tumor, followed by radioactive iodine therapy.
Abela told The Times:
> “I’m all in the clear now, thank God.”
Because her thyroid was removed, she takes daily hormone pills and will for life.
- Daily medication replaces thyroid function
- Regular blood work monitors hormone levels
- Checkups every few months
Life After Cancer
The same year she began cancer treatment, Industry premiered. Four seasons later, she won a 2025 BAFTA for leading actress.
Her film slate has since expanded:
| Project | Role/Note |
|---|---|
| Back to Black | Portrayed Amy Winehouse |
| Black Bag | Starred with Blanchett & Fassbender |
| Highlander | Now training with Russell Crowe & Henry Cavill |
Wedding and Support System
Abela wed actor Jamie Bogyo in September after a Primrose-Hill proposal. The couple, who met at drama school, celebrated in East Sussex with Industry castmates among the guests.
Bogyo edits her scripts and she reads his plays. “We’re a team,” she said.
> “He has always been my biggest supporter.”
Key Takeaways
- Thyroid cancer struck at 23 during her first major TV role
- Surgery and radioactive iodine left her cancer-free
- Lifelong medication and monitoring remain essential
- Career momentum continued with a BAFTA win and upcoming action film
Abela now looks ahead to 2026, calling it “very exciting.”
