Magda Szubanski's cancer is in remission
'I'm not dead... So, phew, big relief'
Australian comedian Magda Szubanski has annpounced she is she is in remission, after receiving treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer.
The 64-year-old – best known for playing Sharon Strzelecki in Australian sitcom Kath & Kim – revealed last May that she had been diagnosed with stage four Mantle cell lymphoma, a ‘fast-moving’ form of blood cancer.
But posting to social media today, she shared the 'fantastic news' that she had completed chemotherapy adding: ‘Seems I'm not dead... So, phew, big relief.’
‘It's not a cure, but because I got a good remission, that hopefully means that I'll keep the cancer at bay for a good long time.’
She also thanked fans for the 'love and support' they sent 'like a tsunami', adding: 'It helped me not only emotionally, I think it helped me physically.'
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Szubanski was born in Liverpool but moved to Australia with her family when she was five.
Her big break came in 1989 as part of the Fast Forward TV sketch show on TV, which she followed with work on Big Girl's Blouse alongside Gina Riley and Jane Turner, who went on to create Kath & Kim.
The comic later had a recurring role as Jemima Davies-Smythe on Neighbours – a character who officiated the first same-sex wedding on Australian television. She also appeared in the Babe films as Esme Hoggett,
She has spoken about her struggles with anxiety and suicidal ideation in her teens, and has been an activist for LGBT rights and against far-shaming.
Published: 27 Feb 2026
