Behind the cheerful characters and radiant smile, a more personal and difficult struggle is unfolding.
Magda Szubanski, one of Australia’s most beloved performers, has shared that she is facing stage-four mantle cell lymphoma. Even so, she continues to radiate humor, warmth, and courage from her hospital bed—leaving fans curious about how this diagnosis is reshaping her day-to-day life.
Magda Szubanski Shares Her Journey
At 64, Szubanski posted an emotional update from the hospital, where she is receiving chemotherapy. In a video on Instagram, she thanked 10-year-old Annabella from Adelaide, who dressed up as Sharon Strzelecki,
Szubanski’s iconic character from Kath & Kim. “I’m in here having chemo, and it really lifted my spirits… Thank you, my darling. Sending lots of love to you,” she said.
In her caption, she admitted: “Chemo is really knocking me around right now.” Szubanski had first revealed her diagnosis back in May, explaining that doctors discovered the cancer by chance during a breast screening.
“It’s one of the tough ones,” she noted, while also praising her medical team and the strong circle of support around her. “I feel very lucky.”
Setting Boundaries for Health
While she maintains her humor, Szubanski reminded fans to help protect her health: “No hugs, kisses, or breathing on me, please! Wave wildly from a safe distance and know that I love you dearly.”
Conclusion
Magda Szubanski’s honest and heartfelt updates provide a glimpse into the reality of living with an aggressive cancer diagnosis. Balancing vulnerability with humor and gratitude, she shows how resilience can coexist with hardship. Through her openness and her enduring connection with fans, she continues to shine as a source of strength and hope.