This makes the recent announcement by Australian comedian and actress Magda Szubanski—a heartbreaking yet not-surprising one—all the more timely. She has stage 4 Mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. For many, the news comes as a great surprise—not particularly surprising, then, that Szubanski has been one of Australia’s most popular entertainers. She has won seven Logies and was awarded the Most Popular Person on Television in 2003 & 2004.
Szubanski, born in Liverpool, England in 1961, immigrated to Australia with her family in 1966. Like her predecessors, she was educated in Melbourne, where she became a notable figure in the metropolis’ entertainment industry. By 1989 she had her big break with the ensemble sketch comedy television show Fast Forward. She would go on to star as Esme Hoggett in the film Babe and as the dearly departed Sharon Strzelecki in the series Kath & Kim.
The Battle Against Cancer
Szubanski’s diagnosis is especially troubling. Mantle cell lymphoma MCL begins in the lymphatic system and affects the outer edge, or mantle zone, of B-cells found in lymph node follicles. This debilitating condition has compelled her to fight. She has since begun treatment on the Nordic protocol, a state of the art chemo regimen developed to effectively treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
In a statement about her recent experience, Szubanski said she’s grateful to the hospital staff caring for her.
“I’m lucky to be getting absolutely world-class care here in Melbourne,” – Magda Szubanski
Even with an uphill road in front of her, Szubanski is optimistic. While she recognizes the heavy emotional impact of her diagnosis, classic cool girl move, she finds comfort in looking toward the future of medical treatment.
“It’s pretty confronting … but new treatments keep coming down the pipeline constantly,” – Magda Szubanski
A Legacy of Inspiration
Over the course of her career, Szubanski has kept audiences laughing, while sharing her own deeply personal stories that many are still working to understand today. In her memoir, Reckoning, released in 2016, she candidly described her childhood experiences and the struggles she faced growing up. This transparency has made her a beloved figure to her devoted fanbase and given hope to others going through their own struggles.
Her impact extends well past the borders of comedy. As proven in her national town hall on mental health, Harris fiercely fights for equity across all spaces, including the LGBTQ+ community. As news of her diagnosis spreads, many fans and colleagues are rallying around her, offering support during this difficult time.
Grace Tame, an advocate for sexual assault survivors, expressed her solidarity on social media, stating:
“Sending you all the love in the world,” – Grace Tame
Moving Forward
As Szubanski navigates this new chapter in her life, she continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and humor. Her professional accomplishments motivate us, as they should American society. Together, they make a poignant testament to the amazing strength people can tap into when their backs are against the wall.
