It has been six months since Australian comedy legend Magda Szubanski revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer.
Now, two of her closest friends, David Campbell and his wife Lisa, have shared a new update on how the beloved star is coping as treatment continues.
Speaking on Stellar’s Something To Talk About podcast, the couple offered a glimpse into Szubanski’s health journey and how she has been managing behind the scenes.
They said the 64-year-old performer has felt deeply supported by people across the country and has held onto her trademark humour throughout the most difficult moments.
“She’s talked about the fact that having that outpouring of emotion, and the support that she’s felt, has been instrumental in her getting through everything,” Lisa said.
“I can’t speak for her own personal health, but she’s an incredible person, and we are so fortunate to have her in our lives.”
Campbell added that Szubanski, best known for playing fan favourite Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim, remains as high-spirited as ever.
“She laughs at everything,” he said.
“She laughs at us. She laughs at herself. And she made us laugh at the cancer with her.
“And they say laughter is the best medicine. It’s kind of true. It does make people feel better.”
Szubanski first shared her diagnosis in an emotional video posted in May, telling fans the extent of her illness and expressing her gratitude for their support.
“Lovelies. Well. Some not great news. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma — a rare and fast-moving blood cancer,” she wrote on Instagram.
“It’s serious, but I’ve started one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol), and I’m lucky to be getting absolutely world-class care here in Melbourne.
“I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful. I’m being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I’ve never felt more held by the people around me.”
Just four months ago, Szubanski was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame.
While she could not attend the ceremony in person, she shared a moving speech acknowledging the overwhelming support she has received from the Australian public.
“I do have a good excuse this time (for not coming to the Logies), normally I don’t come because I can’t be bothered getting out of my pyjamas. This time, there really is a reason,” she said.
“I want to say first of all, let’s get this out of the way, I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer, like I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work.
“The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public, it has been overwhelming and I have to tell you, it really helps.”
Fighting back tears, she thanked fans for their constant kindness.
“I did not think I was going to cry,” she said.
“When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts. And I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer.
“So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way, I really feel it.”
Szubanski remains one of the country’s most celebrated performers, known for her iconic comedic roles and her work in films including Babe and Babe: Pig in the City.
Images: Instagram
