Magda Szubanski, 64, best known for Kath & Kim and the Babe films, recently shared a moving update from her hospital bed while receiving treatment for stage-four cancer. In a video, she thanked 10-year-old Annabella from Adelaide, who had dressed as Sharon Strzelecki for Book Week. “Thank you so much for your impression of Sharon Strzelecki… I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up.” Her caption added, “Chemo is smacking me around right now.”

Szubanski revealed in May that she was diagnosed with stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, discovered “incidentally” during a breast screening. She admitted, “It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately,” and shaved her head in preparation for treatment.

Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for her support network and Australia’s medical system: “Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very fortunate.”

Balancing humor with realism, she reminded fans of her fragile immune system: “Don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.”

Fans and colleagues across Australia have flooded her with support, seeing her as both a cultural icon and an image of resilience.