Beloved actress shares update from hospital bed amid stage 4 cancer battle

Magda Szubanski, beloved for her humor and compassion, recently shared an emotional message that blended courage and vulnerability. The 64-year-old actress, best known for her roles in Kath & Kim and the Babe films, posted an update from her hospital bed while receiving treatment for stage-four cancer.

In an Instagram video, Szubanski smiled through her discomfort, thanking a young fan named Annabella from Adelaide. The 10-year-old had dressed up as Sharon Strzelecki, Szubanski’s famous character, for Book Week. “I’m having chemo, and it really cheered me up,” she said warmly. “That was such a beautiful thing to do. Lots of love to you.”

Her caption was brief but heartfelt: “Chemo is smacking me around right now.” The words reflected both the physical toll of her treatment and her determination to stay positive.

Szubanski first revealed her diagnosis in May, explaining she had stage-four mantle cell lymphoma—an aggressive blood cancer discovered after a breast screening showed swollen lymph nodes. She shared a video of her newly shaved head, saying she wanted to prepare herself for the journey ahead.

Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for her doctors, family, and friends. “We have some of the best medical care in the world here in Australia,” she said.

Maintaining her trademark humor, she warned fans not to get too close due to her weakened immune system. “Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance,” she joked.

Fans and fellow actors have flooded her with love and support, admiring her strength, honesty, and ability to find light in even the hardest moments.