Close friends Magda Szubanski, David Campbell, and Lisa Hewitt have shared a reassuring update about her health with fans.
Magda Szubanski is leaning on the strength of her friends as she navigates a challenging time.
The beloved Aussie star, best known for playing Sharon Strzelecki in the iconic Kath & Kim series, is currently fighting stage four cancer.
Her close friends David Campbell and his wife, Lisa Hewitt, revealed that Magda is facing the battle with her trademark humour, still finding reasons to laugh.
She shared that the overwhelming support and emotional outpouring from fans has played a vital role in helping her cope with everything, Hewitt said on Stellar’s podcast Something to Talk About.
I can’t comment on the specifics of her health, but she is an extraordinary person, and we’re truly lucky to have her in our lives,” she added.
Campbell also reassured fans, saying that Szubanski still “laughs at everything.
She laughs at herself, and she even had us laughing about the cancer with her,” he shared.
And as the saying goes, laughter really is the best medicine — it genuinely helps people feel better.
Szubanski opens up about cancer diagnosis
Szubanski revealed her cancer diagnosis in May through an emotional Instagram post.
Lovelies… some difficult news. I’ve been diagnosed with stage four Mantle Cell Lymphoma — a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer,” she shared.
She also confirmed that she is currently undergoing treatment in Melbourne.
I won’t sugar-coat it — it’s been tough. But I’m staying hopeful. I’m surrounded by the love and care of friends and family, my medical team is exceptional, and I’ve never felt more supported,” the actor said.
She also asked fans to keep their distance if they see her in public, due to her weakened immune system.
“Give me a big wave from afar and know that I adore you,” she added.
Szubanski went on to explain that the aggressive cancer was detected during a routine breast screening, which showed swollen lymph nodes.
I’d been feeling pretty awful for a long time, so I requested extra blood tests — and there it was.
The takeaway? Get checked and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
Szubanski addresses her cancer at the 2025 Logie Awards
In August, Szubanski was honoured with an induction into the Logies Hall of Fame, joining celebrated names such as Molly Meldrum, Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton and Rebecca Gibney.
She delivered her acceptance speech through a video message.
I want to make one thing clear right away — this honour isn’t because I have cancer.
I’m receiving it thanks to 40 years of hard work… lobbying, bribing, threatening — whatever it took,” she joked.
At long last, it has all paid off. I don’t feel like an impostor; I feel like I’ve truly earned this, and I’m absolutely thrilled,” Szubanski said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Australian public for standing by her throughout her cancer battle, describing the outpouring of support as a tsunami.
Whenever I go online and read those messages, my heart lifts every single time, and I feel stronger and more ready to face the cancer,” she added.
What else is Szubanski known for?
Szubanski is adored for her portrayal of Sharon Strzelecki, a character she created alongside fellow Kath & Kim stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley on the sketch comedy series Big Girl’s Blouse.
She also became well-known for her role as Esme Cordelia Hoggett in the family films Babe and its sequel, Babe: Pig in the City.
Her career includes working alongside Steve Irwin in The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course and lending her voice to animated favourites such as Happy Feet and 100% Wolf.
Leave a Reply