In sad news, beloved Australian comedian and actress Magda Szubanski has shared that she’s been diagnosed with cancer.
She took to Instagram on May 29, 2025 to do so, and posted a video along with a lengthy caption.
“I’ve been diagnosed with Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma – a rare and fast-moving blood cancer,” Magda’s caption read.
“I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful. I’m being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I’ve never felt more held by the people around me,” it continued.
Magda also addressed her fans in the caption, asking them to respect her space now that she’s immunocompromised.
“I’ll be lying very low while my immune system takes a hammering, so if you see me out and about, don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.”
In the video, Magda is sporting a shaved head and says she got rid of her hair “in anticipation of it all falling out in a few weeks.”
Friends of Magda’s were quick to comment on her post.
Carrie Bickmore wrote, “Oh babe. F**k. You’ve got this! Yelling at you now from a distance that we all love you.”
Megan Gale said, “Sending an abundance of love, hugs and strength your way Magda.”
And Edwina Bartholomew commented, “Sending hugs virtually and all the love.”
Magda is best known for playing Sharon Strzelecki in the iconic Aussie series Kath & Kim.
She was also a standout in the comedy sketch show Fast Forward, which ran from 1989 to 1992.
Not to mention, Magda starred in Babe and its sequel, Babe: Pig in the City, and voice acted in Happy Feet.
Beyond acting and comedy, Magda is a bestselling author and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights – in fact, she played a rather prominent role in Australia’s marriage equality campaign.
