An Australian comedy icon, Magda Szubanski, has found a unique source of comfort during her challenging chemotherapy treatments. The beloved star of “Kath and Kim” recently received a thoughtful gift from Lego—a Land Rover Defender set—to help her through her ongoing battle with cancer.
Szubanski, whose humor and warmth have endeared her to fans worldwide, shared her excitement over the unexpected gift on Instagram. “The upside of the cancer—it ain’t all bad,” she quipped, showcasing her enduring wit even in the face of adversity. The Lego set, she noted, would “keep (her) busy for a bit,” providing a welcome distraction during her treatment.
Facing Cancer with Humor and Resilience
In a candid Instagram reel, Szubanski expressed her childlike enthusiasm for the intricate building project. “I am such an 11-year-old boy trapped in a 64-year-old lesbian’s body,” she joked, adding that she initially thought the gift might be an actual Land Rover. Despite the challenges posed by “chemo-induced numbness in fingertips,” Szubanski is determined to complete the set, having prepared by ordering a building kit with pliers and finger protectors.
Her humor shines through even in the face of serious illness. “Good times! Now all I need is a Lego Queen Elizabeth II to pop in the driver’s seat,” she added, demonstrating her ability to find light in dark times.
A Public Battle with a Rare Cancer
In late May, Szubanski revealed to her 296,000 Instagram followers that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. “I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for the support of her friends, family, and medical team.
Szubanski has begun one of the best treatments available and is receiving world-class care in Melbourne. She has cautioned fans to maintain a safe distance due to her compromised immune system, humorously instructing them to “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!”
A Storied Career in Comedy
Magda Szubanski’s career has been marked by memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on Australian television. She first gained widespread recognition on the sketch comedy show “Fast Forward” before her breakout role as Sharon Strzelecki, the netball-loving character in the iconic series “Kath & Kim.”
Her talents extend beyond television; Szubanski also appeared in the beloved film “Babe” as Esme Hoggett in 1995 and reprised her role in the sequel “Babe: Pig in the City” in 1998. Her work has made her a household name and a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
Looking Forward with Hope
Despite the challenges she faces, Szubanski remains optimistic about her future. “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,” she concluded in her heartfelt message to fans.
Her journey serves as a reminder of the power of humor and resilience in the face of life’s toughest battles. As she continues her treatment, Szubanski’s ability to find joy and laughter provides inspiration to many.
