In a heartfelt and humorous update, beloved Australian comedic talent Magda Szubanski recently opened up about her ongoing cancer treatment, capturing attention in her signature style.
Szubanski, renowned for her role in the iconic series Kath & Kim, humorously referred to her current phase as "chemo couture," playfully suggesting that she might be eligible to join the cast of "The Bald and the Beautiful." This lighthearted remark emphasizes her ability to maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging times.
At the age of 64, Szubanski first disclosed her diagnosis of stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma—a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer—back in May. During this announcement, she shared that she had shaved her head in preparation for the chemotherapy sessions that lay ahead. Given her public profile, the news was met with tremendous support from fans and admirers alike. For anyone unfamiliar with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, it's crucial to understand that it is often characterized by the rapid proliferation of malignant cells in the lymphatic system, making early detection and treatment essential.
Since her diagnosis, Szubanski has embraced both transparency and humor throughout her health journey. In a recent video clip she shared on Sunday, she appeared cheerful, expressing gratitude towards the popular drag queen duo Trixie and Katya, who have been fans of the television show that features her lovable character, Sharon Strzelecki.
"I know I’m a bit late to this, but I’ve received countless messages about Katya and Trixie enjoying Kath and Kim," she stated, her excitement evident. "It warms my heart to see them laughing along with us and appreciating the characters. Thank you all so much; your support means a lot to me."
Szubanski then took the opportunity to recommend that Trixie and Katya check out her 1990s sketch comedy series, Big Girl’s Blouse, which was instrumental in introducing the quirky personalities of Fountain Lakes. In true Szubanski fashion, she balanced her gratitude with humor, revealing the unexpected source of inspiration for Sharon’s iconic, festive brown bob hairstyle.
"Actually, Sharon’s hairdo is a tribute to the Dorothy Hamill wedge haircut," Szubanski explained, referencing the famous ice skater known for her practical and stylish looks in the late 1970s. "Every sporty girl deserves a sensible and functional hairstyle while engaging in activities! However, mine is a product of my current ‘chemo couture.’" In a playful gesture, she added a caption to her social media post, jokingly pondering whether she should be featured on "The Bald and the Beautiful" as well.
Adding a touch more humor, she noted, "Just for the record, the #DorothyHamill #wedge made its fashion debut way back in 1976. And let me say that Sharon sends her love, even though she regrettably couldn’t join us right now—she’s currently dealing with her netball bib getting stuck in the sliding door of the team's Toyota Tarago!"
Since first revealing her health situation, Szubanski has been refreshingly open about her experiences. When she shared the news in May, a photo of her freshly shaved head accompanied her message, underlining the realities many undergo when facing chemotherapy.
"This is a rare type of cancer that was only diagnosed incidentally during a routine breast screen, which revealed swollen lymph nodes," she explained at the time. "Honestly, I’ve been feeling quite under the weather for some time now, prompting me to request additional blood tests—and there it was!" This highlights the importance of regular check-ups and listening to one’s own body, a vital reminder for all of us.
As she reassured her followers, she expressed, "For now, I am receiving excellent care and maintaining a positive outlook. However, I reserve the right to be a bit cranky every now and then—after all, we all have our days. Thank you for your love and support; it truly means the world to me. Yours sincerely, Mags."
Her candidness provides a powerful example for others who may be wrestling with similar battles. If you have thoughts or experiences to share related to this topic or health journeys in general, we encourage you to leave a comment! What messages of support do you think are most important during these times?
