In short
- Magda Szubanski was diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma last year.
- The Kath and Kim star says it’s a “huge relief” to have completed chemotherapy and gone into remission.
Beloved Australian comedian Magda Szubanski says she is breathing a sigh of relief after announcing her rare blood cancer is in remission.
The star shared the news on her Instagram on Friday nine months after diagnosis of stage four mantle cell lymphomadescribed as a “rare and rapidly evolving blood cancer”.
“I wanted to share the fantastic news that I have completed chemo and am now in remission – so phew, a big relief,” Szubanski said on Instagram.
“It’s not a cure, but because I’m having a good remission it hopefully means I can keep the cancer at bay for a long time to come.”
Szubanski, best known for winning the hearts of Australians as the sporty, down-on-her-luck Sharon Strzelecki in the sitcom Kath and Kim, said she was “eternally grateful” to her medical team and public well-wishers. She had short hair that had grown back since she shaved her head in preparation for the treatment in May.
Szubanski, a staunch LGBTQI+ rights activist, began her announcement by wishing her followers a Happy Mardi Gras.
The Glitter Club – described as a premier vantage point for the Mardi Gras parade in Sydney’s Taylor Square – has been renamed Magda’s Glitter Club for Saturday’s event.
“I’m so gutted that I can’t be there. I’m afraid it’s inevitable, but I wish you all a great time and lots of love,” she said.
In 2018, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contributions to the campaign for marriage equality.
She first appeared on Australian screens in the mid-1980s after being picked up by ABC talent scouts who saw her perform in a college revue.
Her portrayal of Sharon led to character roles in successful films including Babe and Happy Feet.
Her credits also include sketch shows Fast Forward and the critically acclaimed Big Girl’s Blouse, alongside Kath and Kim co-writers Gina Riley and Jane Turner.
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