The Australian comedy actor, 64, announced she is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma in a new video posted online.
Szubanski is best known internationally for her role as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim and Esme Hoggett in the Babe franchise.
“Hello, my lovelies. So the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks, because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma,” she began.
“It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. But the good thing is, I’m surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an incredible medical support team.
“Love is all. Please keep a distance, though, if because I will be very immunocompromised, so I can’t hug no more. Bye. You.”
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The Happy Feet actor also shared that Mantle Cell Lymphoma is a “rare and fast-moving blood cancer”.
“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.”
Szubanski was born in Liverpool and emigrated to Australia as a child. She’s also known for her roles in Fast Forward, a television sketch comedy in the early 90s, and as a passionate LGBT rights advocate.
