Recently, the 64-year-old actress posted a video to Instagram that exemplified this duality of vulnerability and resilience.
“This is a special shout-out to Annabella,” she said in the video, her voice carrying both warmth and a touch of fatigue. “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.”
The recipient of this heartfelt message was ten-year-old Annabella from Adelaide, who had dressed up as Sharon Strzelecki for Book Week at her school.
Her innocent and joyful homage had reached Szubanski in a moment when she was physically weakened but emotionally buoyed by the gesture.
It is a small yet poignant reminder of the impact her work has had across generations, and how even simple acts of kindness can resonate deeply, particularly during times of personal struggle.
Szubanski captioned the video with unvarnished honesty: “Chemo is smacking me around right now.” In that brief statement, she communicated the harsh realities of her treatment — the nausea, fatigue, and emotional toll that accompany aggressive chemotherapy — while simultaneously highlighting her unwavering courage and ability to find joy amidst adversity.
The Diagnosis and Early Challenges
In May 2025, Szubanski publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, a particularly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately,” she admitted at the time, underscoring both the seriousness of the disease and the fortuitous timing of its detection.
In the same announcement, Szubanski shared a video showing her freshly shaved head, explaining that she had done it in preparation for the chemotherapy treatments she knew were inevitable.
The gesture was both practical and symbolic — a declaration of readiness to face the challenges ahead while maintaining a sense of agency over her journey.
Even before her diagnosis, Szubanski’s life had been characterized by resilience. Known not just for her comedic talents but also for her activism, philanthropy, and openness about her own struggles, she had long been admired for her ability to find meaning and humor in life’s difficulties.
Her battle with cancer, however, presented a new and deeply personal challenge that she chose to confront publicly, offering fans a rare, candid glimpse into the realities of living with a life-threatening illness.
Humor and Humanity Amid Treatment
One of the defining aspects of Szubanski’s approach to her illness is her continued use of humor, a tool she has wielded throughout her career to engage audiences and address difficult topics.
In her Instagram updates, she has frequently reminded followers of the precautions necessary for someone undergoing chemotherapy. Her immune system is severely compromised, and even a common cold could pose a serious threat.
“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,” she said in one recent post.
The message conveys both the serious nature of her condition and her signature playfulness, inviting fans to engage while respecting her health limitations.
Szubanski has also shared the emotional highs and lows of treatment, acknowledging moments of discomfort, fatigue, and fear while simultaneously celebrating small victories and joyful interactions.
The shout-out to Annabella, for example, was more than a lighthearted acknowledgment; it was a lifeline in a day that might otherwise have been defined by isolation and pain.
The Role of Family and Friends
Throughout her cancer journey, Szubanski has emphasized the importance of her support network. She credits her family, friends, and medical team for helping her navigate the physical and emotional challenges of treatment.
“The good thing is I’m surrounded by beautiful friends, family, and an incredible medical support team,” she said.
“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 openness about these relationships also highlights the broader social context of her recovery. By acknowledging the support she receives, Szubanski underscores the value of community and connection, even during periods of intense personal struggle.
Her gratitude toward her medical team reflects the rapid advancements in cancer care, particularly in Australia, where access to innovative therapies has provided patients with more options than ever before.
Facing Stage-Four Lymphoma
Stage-four mantle cell lymphoma is a particularly challenging diagnosis. The disease is aggressive, often progressing quickly and requiring intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and sometimes stem cell transplantation.
Survival rates vary widely, depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and response to treatment.
By sharing her experiences publicly, Szubanski has demystified aspects of living with stage-four cancer, from the logistical difficulties of hospital visits and treatment schedules to the psychological strain of coping with uncertainty.
Her willingness to be candid about the side effects of chemotherapy — nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and emotional ups and downs — provides a realistic perspective for others facing similar diagnoses.
Cultural Impact and Public Support
Szubanski’s battle with cancer has drawn widespread attention, not just because of her celebrity status, but because of the deep connection she has forged with audiences over decades.
Fans across Australia and internationally have expressed their support through social media, letters, and thoughtful gestures, often sharing stories of how her performances have touched their lives.
Celebrities and fellow actors have also rallied around her, offering words of encouragement and solidarity.
In a culture where public figures often guard their privacy during illness, Szubanski’s choice to openly communicate her experience has inspired many, positioning her as both a role model for resilience and an advocate for transparency in health challenges.
Maintaining Perspective and Positivity
Throughout her journey, Szubanski has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective. While she acknowledges the seriousness of her diagnosis, she also highlights moments of joy, humor, and inspiration.
She has been open about the small victories that punctuate her treatment days: a visit from a friend, a funny scene on television, or even a child’s act of kindness like Annabella’s portrayal of Sharon Strzelecki.
These moments, she notes, are essential for maintaining emotional strength and motivation during long and grueling treatment regimens.
Her ability to find humor in difficult circumstances is not just a coping mechanism; it is a continuation of the comedic legacy she has built over decades.
By blending levity with honesty, Szubanski creates a narrative that is both relatable and inspiring, offering her audience lessons in resilience and hope.
Advocacy and Awareness
Szubanski has long used her platform to advocate for causes she believes in, including social justice, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Her openness about her cancer journey adds another dimension to her advocacy: raising awareness about the realities of aggressive cancers and the importance of early detection.
In interviews, she has encouraged others to attend regular health screenings, pay attention to unusual symptoms, and seek medical advice promptly.
Her candidness has the potential to save lives, particularly among middle-aged and older adults who may otherwise delay seeking care.
A Message of Gratitude
In all her posts and interviews since her diagnosis, Szubanski has emphasized gratitude as a guiding principle.
Whether thanking her medical team, expressing appreciation for fans, or acknowledging the unwavering support of friends and family, she consistently centers her narrative on connection and community.
“This fight is not just mine,” she said in one interview. “It’s carried by the love of so many people around me. I wouldn’t be able to do this alone, and I want everyone to know how much their support means to me.”
Her message resonates particularly strongly in a moment when the isolating effects of chemotherapy and immunocompromise can feel overwhelming. By sharing her gratitude publicly, she transforms a personal struggle into a collective story of hope and resilience.
Humor and Reality in Equal Measure
Even amid serious illness, Szubanski has not abandoned her signature humor. Her advice to fans — to wave from a safe distance instead of hugging or kissing her — exemplifies the balance she maintains between levity and realism.
It is both a practical precaution and a continuation of the playful persona she has cultivated over decades.
Fans have responded enthusiastically, acknowledging that her humor, even in the most challenging circumstances, provides inspiration and comfort.
The interplay of humor and vulnerability makes her story accessible and relatable, showing that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to move forward despite it.
Looking Ahead
As Szubanski continues her treatment, the public remains captivated and inspired by her journey.
She has expressed hope for the future, acknowledging that while the road is difficult, she is committed to fighting with the same spirit and determination that have characterized her career. Continue reading…
