Who Is Maxine Conway in Wentworth? Her Story, Cancer Diagnosis and What Happens to Her

Maxine Conway became one of Wentworth’s most memorable prisoners after arriving at Wentworth Correctional Centre during Season 2. Played by Socratis Otto, Maxine is a transgender woman who becomes a trusted ally of Bea Smith and develops an especially close friendship with Boomer Jenkins.

Loyal, protective and caring towards those closest to her, Maxine becomes an important member of Bea’s group. Her later breast cancer storyline takes the character in a very different direction and eventually leads to her departure from Wentworth, although her final fate is sometimes misunderstood.

Who Is Maxine Conway in Wentworth?

Maxine first appears in Season 2 and initially faces prejudice within the prison. Over time, she earns the respect of many of the women around her and establishes herself as a loyal and formidable presence.

Her relationships with Bea and Boomer become particularly important. Maxine supports Bea during her rise to Top Dog and becomes one of her most dependable allies, while her friendship with Boomer reveals a softer side to both characters.

Maxine’s physical strength makes her valuable within the brutal prison hierarchy, but her compassion and loyalty are equally important to the character. That combination helps Maxine become much more than simply another member of Bea’s crew.

Does Maxine Die in Wentworth?

No, Maxine Conway does not die in Wentworth. She is still alive when viewers see her for the final time during Season 5.

Maxine is diagnosed with breast cancer during Season 4 and subsequently undergoes significant treatment, including a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her illness becomes a major part of her later storyline and understandably leaves viewers fearing for her future.

However, Maxine’s cancer does not lead to an on screen death. Instead, her need for further treatment eventually provides the reason for her departure from Wentworth.

Why Does Maxine Leave Wentworth?

Maxine leaves Wentworth after arrangements are made for her to be transferred to Barnhurst, where she can continue receiving the medical treatment she requires.

Her departure comes during an already painful period following Bea’s death. Maxine has lost one of her closest friends and must then leave behind the other relationships she has established during her time at Wentworth.

Her goodbye to Boomer is particularly emotional. Their friendship had developed into one of Maxine’s most important relationships, making the separation difficult for both women.

What Is Maxine’s Final Episode?

Maxine makes her final appearance in Season 5, Episode 2, “The Bitch Is Back.”

After preparing to leave for Barnhurst, Maxine says goodbye to her friends before being escorted away from the yard by Linda Miles. It marks the end of Maxine’s time at Wentworth and ultimately proves to be her final appearance in the original series.

Crucially, Maxine’s departure is a transfer rather than a death. She leaves Wentworth alive, with her medical treatment set to continue elsewhere.

What Happens to Maxine After Wentworth?

Maxine does not return during the remainder of the original Wentworth series, meaning viewers never receive a definitive conclusion to her story following the transfer.

The series does not confirm that Maxine’s cancer goes into remission or show her eventually being released from prison. However, it also does not establish that she later dies.

Maxine’s ultimate fate is therefore left open. Her last confirmed status in the original series is that she is alive and has been transferred to Barnhurst while continuing her cancer treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Maxine die from cancer in Wentworth?

No. Maxine does not die on screen. Her final appearance sees her leave Wentworth alive after being transferred to Barnhurst for further treatment.

Why does Maxine leave Wentworth?

Maxine leaves because she requires further medical treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis. She is transferred from Wentworth to Barnhurst.

What episode does Maxine leave Wentworth?

Maxine makes her final appearance in Season 5, Episode 2, “The Bitch Is Back.”

Does Maxine return to Wentworth?

No. Maxine does not return during the remainder of the original television series, leaving her eventual fate after her transfer unresolved.

Who plays Maxine Conway in Wentworth?

Australian actor Socratis Otto plays Maxine Conway. Maxine is introduced during Season 2 and remains part of the series until her departure in Season 5.

For more from the world of Wentworth, visit the SoapLandTV Wentworth hub, featuring character guides, features and explainers alongside our coverage of Prisoner: Cell Block H and the new Wentworth series. All image credits: Foxtel