Magda Szubanski, one of Australia’s most celebrated comedic talents, has always been associated with warmth, humor, and an unmistakable ability to connect with audiences. Recently, however, her message to fans took on a tone that was both deeply vulnerable and profoundly resilient. At 64, Szubanski—known worldwide for her roles in Kath & Kim and the Babe films—shared an emotional update from her hospital bed while undergoing treatment for stage-four cancer.
In a video posted to Instagram, Szubanski appeared in a hospital gown, smiling despite the visible weight of her battle. With tubes in view and her voice slightly weakened, she chose to focus not on herself but on a ten-year-old fan.
Annabella from Adelaide had dressed up as Sharon Strzelecki, Szubanski’s beloved netball-loving character from Kath & Kim, for Book Week. “This is a special shout-out to Annabella,” she said softly but warmly. “Thank you so much for your impression of Sharon Strzelecki. I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up. I’m really touched—that was such a beautiful thing to do. Thank you, my sweet. Lots of love to you.”
Her written caption was short but raw: “Chemo is smacking me around right now.” It was a reminder that behind the humor and positivity she continues to share, there is a grueling and painful fight unfolding every day.
Szubanski first revealed her diagnosis back in May, when doctors discovered swollen lymph nodes during a breast screening. The tests confirmed stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive and rare type of blood cancer. She described the diagnosis with her usual candor, admitting, “It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately.” Anticipating what lay ahead, she shaved her head before beginning treatment, sharing the moment publicly as a way of reclaiming her own strength before the illness could strip it away.
Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Szubanski has consistently emphasized her gratitude for the medical care she is receiving. “The good thing is I’m surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team,” she explained. “Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very fortunate. New treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.”
Her updates since then have reflected the balance she has always brought to her career: honesty delivered with a touch of humor. In one recent message, she reminded fans that while their support meant the world, her health required strict boundaries. “Please keep a distance though because
I will be very immunocompromised. So I can’t hug no more. Don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.” It was classic Magda—playful and lighthearted even while addressing the stark realities of her condition.
This combination of vulnerability and humor has resonated with fans and colleagues alike.
Messages of support have poured in from across Australia and beyond, with actors, comedians, and everyday people reminding her of the impact she has had on their lives. For many, Szubanski is not just an actress but a cultural figure whose career has spanned decades, offering moments of laughter and humanity that now take on even greater meaning as she faces such a difficult battle.
Her openness also provides something rare: a real-time glimpse into what living with cancer looks like. While some public figures might retreat entirely, Szubanski has chosen to let her followers witness both the pain and the small joys along the way. That honesty is as inspiring as any performance she has given on screen.
What shines through most in her updates is her determination to keep giving, even as she undergoes something profoundly draining. She continues to reach outward, to lift others up, and to remind fans of the small acts of kindness—like Annabella’s costume—that can bring light to even the darkest moments.
Magda Szubanski’s journey is far from easy, but it is a testament to her strength that she continues to share it so openly. She has become not only a symbol of humor but also of resilience and truth. For audiences who grew up quoting Sharon Strzelecki’s lines or watching Babe with their families, her fight against cancer feels personal. And her courage, paired with her unwavering sense of humor, makes her story one that resonates far beyond the screen.
As she continues treatment, fans across the world are sending messages of love, encouragement, and solidarity. In choosing to face her battle with both honesty and laughter, Magda Szubanski is showing what true strength looks like—and why she will always remain one of the most cherished figures in Australian entertainment.
