Magda Szubanski has always been known for her humor and warmth, but her latest message to fans carried a mix of vulnerability and resilience. The 64-year-old actress, celebrated for her roles in Kath & Kim and the Babe films, recently shared an update from her hospital bed while undergoing treatment for stage-four cancer.
In a video posted to Instagram, Szubanski was seen smiling despite the tubes and hospital gown, taking a moment to thank a young fan who had unknowingly lifted her spirits. Ten-year-old Annabella from Adelaide had dressed up as Sharon Strzelecki, Szubanski’s beloved netball-obsessed character from Kath & Kim, for Book Week. “This is a special shout-out to Annabella,” she said, her voice warm but tired. “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 caption, raw in its honesty, read simply: “Chemo is smacking me around right now.” It was a reminder of the difficult road she is walking, even as she continues to reach outward with gratitude.
Back in May, Szubanski revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer. The disease was discovered “incidentally” after a breast screening revealed swollen lymph nodes. “It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately,” she admitted at the time. In that same announcement, she posted a video revealing her freshly shaved head, explaining she’d done it in anticipation of the treatment ahead.
Even in the face of daunting odds, she expressed hope, crediting her medical team and the advancements in cancer treatment: “The good thing is I’m surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team. 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.”
Recent updates have shown her balancing humor with realism. She reminded fans that her immune system is fragile and urged them to show their love from a safe distance. “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.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 30: Magda Szubanski attends the AO Inspirational Series Lunch during the Australian Open 2020 at The Glasshouse at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Her words carried both the playfulness she’s always been known for and the stark truth of what she’s facing.
Support has poured in from fans and fellow actors across Australia and beyond. For many, Szubanski is more than just a performer—she’s a cultural icon, a voice of humor, and now, an image of strength in the middle of a fight no one would choose.
As she continues treatment, her openness about both the hardships and the small joys has given her followers a raw, real-time look at life with cancer. And while the battle is far from easy, her determination to share her journey with honesty and laughter proves why she remains one of the most beloved figures in Australian entertainment.
We’re sending all our love and support to Magda Szubanski as she continues her fight.
