Debi Austin

Debi Austin (1950 – February 22, 2013) was an American anti-smoking advocate who became widely known in the early 1990s for her role in an iconic television public service announcement (PSA) for the California Department of Public Health's Tobacco Control Program. In the PSA, famously titled "Voicebox," Austin was shown smoking a cigarette through a hole in her throat, a consequence of her laryngectomy surgery, which was necessitated by her battle with cancer caused by smoking. Her stark and powerful message, "I wish I had never smoked," made a significant impact on viewers and has been credited with raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and encouraging smokers to quit.

Early Life and Smoking[edit | edit source]

Debi Austin began smoking at the age of 13, a fact she shared openly in her efforts to warn others about the dangers of starting smoking at a young age. Her addiction to nicotine was strong, and she continued to smoke for many years, despite the health risks.

Health Battles and Advocacy[edit | edit source]

Austin's smoking eventually led to a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, necessitating the removal of her larynx and leaving her with a permanent stoma in her throat. Despite this, she continued to smoke through the stoma until she realized the full extent of the damage smoking had caused her and decided to quit.

After quitting smoking, Austin dedicated her life to anti-smoking advocacy, working closely with various health organizations and participating in numerous campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of smoking. Her most notable appearance in the "Voicebox" PSA made her a recognizable face in the fight against tobacco.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Debi Austin's courage in sharing her story and her dedication to anti-smoking advocacy left a lasting legacy. She is remembered not only for her appearance in the "Voicebox" PSA but also for her work in schools, where she spoke directly to children about the dangers of smoking. Her message has been credited with helping to reduce smoking rates and has inspired many smokers to quit.

Austin passed away on February 22, 2013, but her work continues to inspire anti-smoking campaigns and health advocates across the United States. Her story is a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of smoking and the importance of quitting.