Beloved actress Magda Szubanski has given fans a glimpse into her ongoing cancer battle, posting a heartfelt health update from her hospital bed while undergoing treatment for stage-four cancer.
The 64-year-old, famous for her roles in Kath & Kim and the Babe films, took to Instagram over the weekend to share a video of gratitude after a young admirer lifted her spirits. Ten-year-old Annabella from Adelaide dressed up as Sharon Strzelecki — Szubanski’s iconic netball-obsessed character — for Book Week, bringing the star some much-needed joy.
Smiling softly as she spoke from her hospital bed, Szubanski said:
“This is a special shout-out to Annabella. Thank you so much for your impression of Sharon Strzelecki. I’m here having chemo, and it really brightened my day. I’m very touched — that was such a beautiful thing to do. Thank you, my sweet. Lots of love to you.”
Alongside the video, she wrote candidly: “Chemo is smacking me around right now.”
Szubanski first revealed her diagnosis in May, explaining that she has stage-four mantle cell lymphoma — a rare and aggressive blood cancer. She told fans the disease was discovered “by chance” after a breast screening revealed swelling in her lymph nodes.
“It’s one of the tougher ones, unfortunately,” she said at the time, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “But I’m lucky to be surrounded by wonderful friends, family, and an extraordinary medical team. We have some of the best doctors in the world here in Australia, especially in Melbourne, and I feel very fortunate.”
She also expressed optimism about advances in treatment, noting: “New therapies are coming down the pipeline all the time.”
In her latest posts, the actress has reminded fans to be cautious around her, as her immune system is now fragile.
“Please keep your distance because I’m very immunocompromised,” she said with her trademark humor. “So no more hugs, kisses, or breathing anywhere near me! Just wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.”