Babe and Happy Feet actress inundated with support after 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis

Australian actress and comedian Magda Szubanski has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. The on-screen star, 64, is best known for her iconic role as Sharon Strzelecki in the Australian sitcom Kath & Kim, and for her film roles in Babe and Happy Feet. The actress, who was born in Liverpool, took to social media and announced she had begun treatment to fight stage four Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a "fast-moving" form of blood cancer.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Magda shared an emotional video but explained she is “hopeful” that a new treatment will help her get through the illness. She began: "The head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I've just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma. It is one of the nasty ones unfortunately."

Magda went on: "The good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an increidble medical support team. It's pretty confronting."

In a light-hearted moment, the actress chuckled and said, "What are you going to do?"

She captioned the post: "Lovelies. Well. Some not great news. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma—a rare and fast-moving blood cancer. 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."

Magda 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."

She signed off: "Love you all, Mags."

Kylie Minogue was among the stars offering their support on social media.

"Sending all love," the Australian singer replied on Instagram, along with heart emojis.

Actor Richard E Grant also sent a string of hearts and wrote: "WE ALL LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH Mags."

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill, who was diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022, wrote to his Ride Like A Girl co-star: "Right there with you darling xx."