Beloved comedian Magda Szubanski has offered fans a welcome dose of hope and humour as she continues her battle against cancer.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, July 14, the Aussie comedy legend shared a light-hearted video update, showing how she’s staying positive—and occupied—during her intensive treatment.
Szubanski revealed she’s been passing the time by tackling a new LEGO project: a classic Land Rover Defender set.
“Tricky with chemo induced numbness in fingertips but…I’ve planned ahead and ordered a building kit with pliers and finger protectors !! GOOD TIMES!!! Now all I need is a Lego Queen Elizabeth II to pop in the driver’s seat.”
Her update was met with a wave of love and support from fans.
“Love you Magda. (Love Lego too!) Keep up the good work. We are all here cheering you on from the side lines,” one wrote.
“God bless you and your beautiful outlook on life and Lego 😅 sending positive vibes.”
“The one thing chemo hasn’t taken away from you is your spirit & your sense of humour Magda . You rock, you’ve got this x Hang in there , Lego is great!!” commented another.
“Lots of love to you Magda!”
Szubanski first announced her diagnosis earlier this year, describing it as a “rare and fast-moving blood cancer”.
“Well. Some not great news. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma—a rare and fast-moving blood cancer,” she revealed in a post to 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.”
She acknowledged the gravity of the diagnosis but remained cautiously optimistic.
“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,” she continued.
“I’ll be lying very low while my immune system takes a hammering, so if you see me out and about—don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.
“This is an obscure cancer and was only discovered incidentally via a breast screen where they found my lymph nodes were up.
“TBH, I’ve been feeling pretty ratshit for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and – voila! So the take away is – get tested and listen to your body!
“For now, just know I’m in good hands, good spirits—but I reserve my yuman right to be a cranky old moll. Love you all, Mags.”
Szubanski is best known for her iconic portrayal of Sharon Strzelecki—the unlucky-in-love, sports-obsessed best friend in Kath and Kim. Her comedic talents have made her one of Australia’s most treasured performers.
She also appeared in beloved films including Babe, Babe: Pig in the City, Happy Feet, and its sequel, Happy Feet Two.
Szubanski’s career began in the mid-1980s after being discovered by ABC talent scouts during a university revue performance. She went on to star in the sketch comedy series Fast Forward and the critically acclaimed Big Girl’s Blouse, working alongside Kath and Kim co-creators Gina Riley and Jane Turner.