One of Australia’s most beloved entertainers, Magda Szubanski has been inducted into the TV WEEK Logies Hall of Fame in 2025.
She will be honoured at the 65th ceremony, recognising her incredible contribution to comedy, activism, and literature. Unfortunately, she could not attend in person but she did share a heartfelt video. Read her full message below.
“Hello my darlings, I am so sorry I cannot be there. I do have a good excuse this time, normally I don’t come because I can’t be bothered getting out of my pyjamas. This time, there really is a reason,” she said.
“I want to say first of all, let’s get this out of the way, I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer, like I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took, finally it has all paid off, so I don’t feel like an imposter.
“But honestly, I do want to say thank you so much for this honour. The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in, and it is chockablock full of really good people, very few rogues, but mostly really good people, I have made some great friends and I feel fortunate to have spent 40 years making and myself laugh. What a way to able to make a life and a career. I want to thank the Logies, I want to thank the people who decided that I was the one who should be the recipient.
“I want to thank my family and friends we have been amazing, especially this time, I particularly want to thank Kristin who is just sitting there,” she said, pointing off camera.
“Who has been an absolute rock. The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public, it has been overwhelming and I have to tell you, it really helps,” a tearful Magda said. “When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts. And I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way, I really feel it. I am grateful to have had 40 years in this industry, in this country. Because by God, at least we are safe! Hopefully I will be there soon.
“I love you all. I am sure I have forgotten who to thank. Chemotherapy brain is real! What can I say? Except I love you,” she concluded, or at least we thought.
Magda returned to show off her newly shaved hair, which she joked she purposely did to “match” her Gold Logie Award – which unfortunately isn’t coming this year…
Magda’s career spans nearly 40 years, but she became a household name following her iconic role as the netball-loving Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim.
The Australian series aired from 2002 to 2005, and some of its most hilarious lines are quoted to this day! Including Sharon’s line, “That is so below the belt, Kim, and you know how sensitive I am there.”
Aside from this role, Magda has stolen the show in Babe, Happy Feet, and The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.
In the 80s, she starred in The D-Generation, Fast Forward, Full Frontal and Big Girl’s Blouse.
But Magda has stolen hearts both on and off screen. Her best-selling memoir titled, Reckoning: A Memoir by Magda Szubanski released in 2013 and earned her literary acclaim and awards.
She is also a strong LGBTQIA+ advocate, particularly during the Marriage Equality campaign.
Most recently, the 64-year-old revealed she’d been diagnosed with Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a “rare and fast-moving blood cancer.”
“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,” she revealed in an Instagram caption shared in May 2025.
“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.”
Given her diagnosis, it is unclear whether or not Magda Subzanski will make an appearance at the 2025 Logie Awards to accept the Hall of Fame induction.
