Q&A: Debi Austin, who smoked through a hole in her throat, stars in new anti-smoking ads

In 1992, Debi Austin had a laryngectomy after she was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Austin had smoked her first cigarette at 13 and, even after surgery, remained a two- to three-pack-a-day smoker.

The image of her smoking through the hole in her throat in a 1997 state-sponsored anti-smoking ad has remained indelible. In the ad she said: "They say nicotine isn't addictive." She took a puff and asked: "How can they say that?"

Austin, of Canoga Park, finally quit smoking months after the ad aired.

Now 60, Austin spoke with The Times on Monday after announcing new anti-smoking ads with state public health officials at a news conference at the California Endowment near downtown L.A.

The commercials featuring the feisty, raspy-voiced, self-described “tobacco educator” are to begin airing next month.

Question: What are you doing these days — a lot of public speaking?

Answer: Yes. My ideal audience is young adults who think they know everything. I go to court schools, youth authorities any time I’m asked because these are the kids who don’t get it.

Q: How do they react?

A: When I go into a school, all the kids know who I am, probably from the teacher’s warning. One of the last things I want them to think about when they walk out of that room is that people remember me because of the stupid things I did. Don’t be remembered because of the poor choices you made.

Q: Do they listen?

A: It’s kind of hard to argue with me. They try to justify it. They say they like the taste. I just take the tube out of my pocket that I use to clean my throat, my stoma, and say “You want this?” Most people think, “This cigarette gives me enjoyment.” But what’s it taking? For young people, they’re giving up their goals.

Q: Do you talk to adults, to older people, too?

A: Not unless I have to. They don’t call me for the Rotary Club.

Q: Why do you think people smoke?

A: It is about acceptance. It is about our insecurities. That’s why I ask them to think about why they had their first cigarette — not right then, but to go home and think about it.

Q: Why did you decide to speak out?

A: I like bullying the bullies.

Q: Are you against big tobacco?

A: I am not anti-tobacco. I am a tobacco educator. I don’t tell people what to do. But you have a right to know about the product.

Q: What do you think about the other anti-smoking ads out there -- for instance, the truth campaign?

A: Any message that gets out there that will make any portion of the people stop and think is worth it.

 

Q: What was one of the strangest experiences you have had since the ad aired in 1997?

A: A biker bar in Orange County printed out a picture of me from the ad and put it up. The guy there said we do a lot of things, but we care about our kids.

Q: What bar?

A: (laughing) Just a biker bar in Orange County! I also walked into a cigar shop once — when I do presentations, sometime people ask me about the price of things, so I like to check — and the guy behind the counter said, “Am I going to be on TV?”

Q: Why do you think so many people remember you?

A: I’m scary. How many people have ever seen somebody with a hole in their throat that would tell you what it’s from?

Q: How is your health now?

A: I have a constant upper-respiratory infection. I have emphysema and they want to put me on oxygen but I refused, because once you’re on it you stay on it. So I have to have forced air at night.

Q: What is your goal now?

A: I’m going to speak to a million kids before I’m done.

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Comments

[Joe]

"They say nicotine isn't addictive." She took a puff and asked: "How can they say that?"

They can say it because years after nicotine has left your system the craving to smoke is still there. Its the smoke and the ritual that people crave.

[SicknTired]

At least she's out there trying to dissuade today's youth from smoking. With all the information available on the hazards of smoking, it amazes me why anyone under the age of 30 would start or continue.

I also find it interesting that of all the people I know, those who smoke are the ones living paycheck to paycheck and renting their housing. Yet the people I know who are uber successful do not smoke.

[dee]

I don't understand it either. I guess young people think it won't happen to them. Everyone I know that smokes is always coughing and they sound like they have asthma...they also smell and I am tired of being stuck in elevators with them after they just had a smoke, yuck.

[Sarah Philips]

This is a perfect representation as to how corrupt our Congress is in allowing these tobacco companies to sell such addictive drugs without controls - AND to underage children is an inexcusable assault on plain social decency. Nicotine is just as dangerous as heroin and crystal meth yet our corrupt Members of Congress take Big Tobacco money to NOT protect the public are the most despicable Americans in our midst. Big Tobacco executives are drug traffickers just like those in Colombia and Mexico - NO different. Tobacco should be regulated as a dangerous drug and corrupt politicians thrown out of Congress and back into the Cesspool of Immorality from which they arrived.

[Cyndy Greger]

photo caption says she's 68. First paragraph in the article says 60. Doesn't anyone proofread?

[TruthSeeker]

I gave up a 25 year cigarette habit after seeing her PSA a few times. I've been smoke free for 12+ years. Thanks for speaking out Debi.

[uncle_vito]

Marijuana does the same thing. That should remain outlawed too, right.

[Brad]

Oh my God, this story made me think more about our health and how we should protect it. Thank you for the great article.