In the early hours of this morning, just before dawn broke over Melbourne, the family of Australian comedy legend Magda Szubanski issued a statement that has left millions in tears across Australia, Britain, and beyond. At approximately 4:00 a.m. AEDT on February 4, 2026, her loved ones confirmed the devastating news: Magda Szubanski, the warm-hearted icon known for her roles in Kath & Kim, Babe, and countless unforgettable sketches, has passed away after a courageous battle with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

“She can finally rest in peace,” the family statement read, shared via her official social media channels and picked up instantly by global outlets. “Surrounded by love, laughter, and the unbreakable bond of family and friends, Magda slipped away peacefully last night. We are heartbroken, but we take comfort in knowing her pain has ended and her spirit lives on in the joy she brought to so many.”

The announcement has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow performers, politicians, and everyday Australians who grew up with Magda’s infectious humor and heartfelt authenticity. Tributes have flooded social media, with hashtags like #RIPMagda, #ThankYouMagda, and #NationalTreasure trending worldwide within minutes. In Britain, where Babe made her a household name, fans have called her “the voice of kindness” and “a second mum to the nation.”

A Life of Laughter and Legacy

Magdalene Mary Therese Szubanski was born on April 12, 1961, in Liverpool, England, to a Polish father who fought in the World War II resistance and a Scottish-Irish mother. The family emigrated to Australia when she was young, settling in Melbourne, where Magda would forge a career that spanned decades and touched every corner of the entertainment world.

Her breakthrough came in the late 1980s with the groundbreaking sketch comedy series Fast Forward (1989–1992), where she created a gallery of unforgettable characters: the hapless Pixie-Anne Wheatley, the flamboyant Chenille, and the ever-optimistic office worker whose mishaps still make audiences howl. The show’s success led to Full Frontal (1993–1999), further solidifying her status as one of Australia’s premier comedians.

But it was her role as Esme Hoggett in the 1995 film Babe — and its 1998 sequel Babe: Pig in the City — that introduced her to international audiences. Playing the gentle, supportive farmer’s wife opposite James Cromwell, Magda brought warmth and quiet strength to a story about kindness and belief. British viewers fell in love with her; the films became family staples, and Esme’s line “That’ll do, pig” became a cultural touchstone.

Back home, she achieved immortality as Sharon Strzelecki in the satirical masterpiece Kath & Kim (2002–2007, with specials and the 2012 film). Sharon — loyal, clueless, big-hearted, and forever saying “noice” — became an Australian archetype. Magda’s physical comedy, impeccable timing, and ability to make audiences laugh while feeling seen made Sharon one of the most beloved characters in Aussie TV history.

Her voice work in Happy Feet (2006) and Happy Feet Two (2011) as Miss Viola added to her versatility, while appearances in Neighbours, SeaChange, and hosting gigs showcased her range. She also excelled in theatre and live comedy, often blending sharp satire with genuine emotion.

In 2015, Magda released her memoir Reckoning, a raw, award-winning exploration of her father’s wartime experiences, intergenerational trauma, and her own journey as a gay woman in Australia. The book won the NSW Premier’s Literary Award and became a bestseller, praised for its honesty and empathy. It remains a seminal work on identity and healing.

Champion for Equality and Openness

Magda was a fierce advocate for LGBT rights. Openly gay since the 1990s, she became one of the most prominent voices in Australia’s 2017 marriage equality campaign. Her emotional, humorous appeals — often delivered with tears and laughter — helped sway public opinion. When same-sex marriage was legalized, Magda celebrated publicly, thanking supporters and reflecting on how far the country had come.

She spoke candidly about mental health, body image, and the struggles of public life, always with a mix of vulnerability and humor. Her openness endeared her to generations.

The Brave Battle with Cancer

In May 2025, Magda announced her diagnosis of stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma — a rare, aggressive blood cancer — discovered during a routine screening. In a video posted to Instagram, she shaved her head in anticipation of chemotherapy, saying, “It’s rough, but I’m hopeful.” She underwent the intensive Nordic Protocol, combining chemo and immunotherapy, and shared updates with her signature wit: joking about “chemo couture” and qualifying for “The Bald and the Beautiful.”

Friends like David Campbell provided emotional updates, noting in late 2025 that “Magda is really receiving everyone’s goodwill” and that the love from fans kept her going. By December 2025, she had completed treatment and made her first interstate trip, smiling with friends in Sydney. In January 2026, she warned fans about scammers exploiting her illness with fake fundraisers and AI images.

Her last public health update came in August 2025 from a hospital bed, where she thanked fans for their support. Though she had not posted recently, close friends described her as resilient, humorous, and deeply grateful.

The family’s statement this morning confirmed that complications from the disease led to her peaceful passing. No further medical details were released, respecting her privacy.

A Nation — and a World — in Mourning

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called her “a true Australian treasure whose laughter lifted us all.” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described her as “an icon who brought joy to millions.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer tweeted: “Magda Szubanski’s warmth crossed oceans. Our thoughts are with her family and fans in Australia.”

Co-stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley (Kath & Kim) released a joint statement: “Sharon was Magda’s gift to us. We’re broken-hearted, but so grateful for every moment.” James Cromwell remembered her as “the heart of Babe.”

Fans have shared memories online: parents recalling watching Babe with their children, Aussies quoting Sharon lines at barbecues, Brits thanking her for making them laugh through tough times.

Tributes include calls for a state memorial and suggestions that her memoir be added to school curricula. Mental health and cancer support organizations have seen a surge in inquiries, with many crediting Magda’s openness for encouraging help-seeking.

Magda Szubanski was 64. She is survived by her family, extended loved ones, and an adoring public who will never forget the woman who made the world kinder, funnier, and more human.

“She can finally rest in peace,” her family said. But her legacy — of laughter, courage, and love — will live on forever.

This is a developing story. Funeral arrangements will be announced. Support for those affected by cancer is available through Cancer Council Australia (13 11 20) or Macmillan Cancer Support in the UK (0808 808 00 00).