Magda Szubanski, one of Australia’s most beloved comedians, actors, and cultural icons, has long been celebrated for her warmth, humor, and relatability.
From her breakout role as Sharon Strzelecki in the iconic comedy series Kath & Kim to her unforgettable performance in the Babe films, Szubanski has carved a career that blends laughter with heart.
But in recent months, she has been confronting a challenge far more serious than any comedic mishap: a diagnosis of stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive and rare form of blood cancer.
Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Szubanski has continued to connect with her fans, sharing moments of levity, gratitude, and honesty from her hospital room as she undergoes treatment.
Recently, the 64-year-old actress posted a video to Instagram that exemplified this duality of vulnerability and resilience.
In the video, Szubanski is seen in a hospital gown, her head shaved as a result of chemotherapy, with tubes connected to her arm, yet her trademark smile radiates warmth.
“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.
The cancer had been discovered incidentally during a routine breast screening, which revealed swollen lymph nodes.
“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.
Even from her hospital bed, she has maintained this balance of realism and levity.
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. Continue reading…
