Australian entertainment icon Magda Szubanski, beloved for her hilarious turns in “Kath & Kim” and her voice work in the “Babe” films, has once again captured the nation’s heart – this time with a raw and emotional video update from her hospital bed. The 64-year-old actress, who has been battling stage-four mantle cell lymphoma since her diagnosis in May 2025, shared a message that many fans are interpreting as a potential farewell, ending with the words “thank you and goodbye.” The post, which quickly went viral on social media, has elicited an outpouring of love, worry, and gratitude from across the country, with messages flooding in from celebrities, politicians, and everyday Australians alike.

Szubanski’s journey with cancer began quietly but dramatically last spring. During a routine breast screening, doctors discovered swollen lymph nodes, leading to the shocking diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma – a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. According to medical experts, this type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma impacts about one in 100,000 people in Australia, with a five-year survival rate hovering around 50 percent for advanced stages. Szubanski, never one to shy away from the spotlight, announced her condition publicly on Instagram in May 2025, posting a defiant video where she shaved her head in anticipation of chemotherapy side effects. “It was my way of saying, ‘You don’t get to take this from me,’” she said at the time, showcasing the resilience that has defined her career and personal life.

The treatment regimen, known as the Nordic Protocol, is a grueling combination of high-dose chemotherapy and immunotherapy designed to target the fast-moving cancer cells. Over the past eight months, Szubanski has endured intense sessions that have left her physically drained – side effects including severe nausea, debilitating fatigue, hair loss, and a compromised immune system. In earlier updates, she described the chemo as “smacking me around,” a candid admission that resonated with fans and fellow cancer patients. By November 30, 2025, when she posted her latest video, Szubanski had clocked 180 days of treatment, appearing pale, exhausted, and propped up by pillows in her Melbourne hospital room.

In the emotional clip, viewed over 2.5 million times within days, Szubanski opened up about the isolation and fear that accompany such a battle. “I honestly thought I’d die alone,” she confessed, her voice trembling as she recounted long, sleepless nights in the hospital. The message built to a poignant close: “Thank you for all the love and support these past months. You’ve kept me going through the darkest times. And goodbye… for now, I hope.” While she added a qualifier about hoping to continue her fight, the phrasing – particularly the “thank you and goodbye” – struck a chord that many interpreted as ominous. Fans pointed to her carefully chosen words, her visible frailty, and the overall tone of reflection as reasons why it felt like a farewell. One commenter on Instagram wrote, “This honesty breaks my heart – it sounds like she’s preparing us for the worst.” Another added, “Her words feel like a final thank you. We’re not ready to say goodbye to our national treasure.”

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Social media platforms lit up with the hashtag #MagdaStrong, which had already been trending since her diagnosis but surged anew after this update. Messages poured in from across Australia and beyond, with tens of thousands of well-wishers sending letters, cards, and even flowers to the hospital, reportedly lining the corridors with colorful displays of support. Celebrities joined the chorus: Fellow “Kath & Kim” star Gina Riley posted, “My dear friend, you’re the strongest person I know. We’re all here for you.” Singer and actor David Campbell, a close family friend, shared in a December 2025 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald that Szubanski was “receiving everyone’s goodwill” and emphasized her positive spirit despite the toll. Even politicians weighed in; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted, “Magda’s courage inspires us all. Sending strength from the nation.”

Szubanski’s story is not just one of illness but of a life richly lived in the public eye. Born in Liverpool, England, in 1961 to a Polish father and Scottish mother, she immigrated to Australia as a child in 1965, settling in Melbourne’s suburbs. Her father, Zbigniew Szubanski, was a former member of the Polish resistance during World War II, a history that Szubanski explored in her 2015 memoir “Reckoning: A Memoir,” which delved into themes of trauma, identity, and family secrets. This background of resilience seems to echo in her current fight, as she has often drawn parallels between her personal battles and her father’s wartime experiences.

Her career took off in the 1980s with sketch comedy shows like “The D-Generation” and “Fast Forward,” where her impeccable timing and larger-than-life characters won her a dedicated following. But it was her role as the netball-obsessed Sharon Strzelecki in the cult hit “Kath & Kim” (2002-2007) that cemented her as an Aussie icon. With her frizzy wig, tracksuit, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Look at moiye!”, Sharon became a symbol of suburban absurdity and heart. Szubanski’s voice work as Miss Viola in the “Babe” series further showcased her versatility, earning her international acclaim. Beyond acting, she’s been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, coming out as gay in 2012 and playing a key role in Australia’s marriage equality campaign in 2017. Her activism, combined with her comedy, has made her a figure of both laughter and inspiration.

In the midst of her cancer battle, Szubanski has used her platform to raise awareness about mantle cell lymphoma. The Leukaemia Foundation of Australia reported a spike in donations following her announcements, with the #MagdaStrong campaign alone raising over $250,000 by early 2026. Patients in similar situations have credited her openness with helping them feel less isolated. “Her honesty gave me permission to admit my own fears,” one lymphoma survivor told Yahoo Lifestyle in September 2025. Medical professionals have also praised her for highlighting the importance of routine screenings, noting that early detection – even in advanced cases – can improve outcomes.

Yet, the latest update has shifted the narrative from hope to concern. Sources close to Szubanski, speaking anonymously to outlets like Daily Mail Australia, described her as “exhausted but determined.” In an August 2025 video, she thanked a 10-year-old fan, Annabella Willis from Adelaide, who dressed as Sharon for Book Week, saying it “really cheered me up” amid the chemo’s brutality. That moment of joy contrasted sharply with the November post’s somber tone, leading some to speculate about her prognosis. Oncologists familiar with mantle cell lymphoma explain that while the Nordic Protocol offers a chance at remission, relapses are common, and the treatment’s intensity can lead to complications like infections or organ strain.

As Australia grapples with this update, tributes continue to flow. Drag queens in Sydney held a “Sharon Strzelecki Night” fundraiser, while schoolchildren across the country sent drawings and messages. International fans, from the UK to the US, have shared stories of how Szubanski’s work brought them comfort. Fox News affiliate in Australia noted the global reach, comparing her impact to that of American stars like Robin Williams, whose battles were similarly public.

Szubanski herself has not released further statements since the video, but her team assured fans via Instagram that she is “resting and appreciating the love.” Whether this is a farewell or just another chapter in her resilient story remains to be seen. For now, the nation holds its breath, united in gratitude for a woman who has made us laugh, think, and now, perhaps, cry.

In reflecting on her life, Szubanski once wrote in her memoir about facing darkness head-on: “You reckon with the past, or it reckons with you.” Her cancer fight embodies that philosophy, turning personal pain into public connection. As messages continue to flood in – from heartfelt notes of worry to expressions of undying love – one thing is clear: Magda Szubanski has touched lives in ways that transcend her roles on screen. Australia, and the world, wishes her strength for whatever comes next.