In an emotional and powerful statement that has struck a chord with millions across Australia and beyond, beloved comedian and advocate Magda Szubanski has shut down cruel rumors and hoaxes falsely claiming she had passed away. On February 10, 2026, Szubanski — who is bravely battling stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma — posted a message to reassure her fans, “Still here. Still smiling. And I’m not going anywhere.”
The heartfelt message came after a disturbing wave of online death hoaxes spread like wildfire earlier that month, with fake tributes circulating across social media that read “Magda Szubanski 1961–2026,” alongside fabricated statements about her “peaceful passing.” These AI-generated images and scripted family tributes sent shockwaves of panic through her legions of loyal followers, causing immense emotional distress, before they were debunked. True to form, Szubanski met the rumors head-on, not only denying the baseless claims but also offering a hopeful and brutally honest update on her ongoing health battle.
The Horrific Hoax That Shattered Her Fans
Szubanski’s courageous response was nothing short of inspiring. “I’m still here, lovelies,” she wrote in an Instagram post that immediately garnered an outpouring of support. “The rumors are nonsense — cruel nonsense. I’m fighting every day, and while it’s tough, I’m making progress step by step. My current health condition is stable but challenging. The treatment continues to knock me around, but I’m responding, I’m surrounded by love, and I’m not giving up. I cannot do it alone — your messages, your thoughts, your silly memes — they keep me going. Thank you for holding space for me.”
These words were a beacon of hope to her millions of fans, who had anxiously awaited any news of her condition. But it wasn’t the first time that Szubanski had been forced to address harmful rumors during her battle with cancer. In January 2026, she had already issued a warning about fake fundraising campaigns and impersonation scams attempting to exploit her name. “Please don’t think it’s me,” she wrote at the time. “If it’s asking for money, it’s a scam. The real me is right here.”
A Nation Shaken by Magda’s Diagnosis
For those unfamiliar with her battle, Magda Szubanski first revealed her stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma diagnosis on May 29, 2025. In an emotional and raw Instagram video, she opened up about the rare and aggressive cancer she was fighting. Diagnosed after a routine breast screening revealed swollen lymph nodes, Szubanski bravely shared the struggles she had been enduring. “I’ve been feeling pretty ratshit for ages,” she admitted. “Please, get tested and listen to your body.”
Following the diagnosis, Szubanski embarked on a rigorous and grueling treatment regimen known as the Nordic protocol, which includes both chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The side effects of the treatment were severe: fatigue, hair loss (she shaved her head before treatment started), and increased vulnerability to infections. Despite the toll it took on her body, Szubanski remained hopeful, focusing on the incredible care she was receiving in Melbourne. “I’m lucky to be getting absolutely world-class care here in Melbourne,” she shared. “My medical team is brilliant, and I’ve never felt more held by the people around me.”
In the months that followed, Szubanski gave her followers glimpses into her journey, posting videos from her hospital bed, and finding humor in the most difficult moments. She embraced her “chemo couture” — sharing light-hearted pictures of herself in hospital gowns, showing that despite the hardships, her trademark humor and optimism were still very much alive.
The Hoax That Crossed the Line
When the death hoax first emerged in early February 2026, it hit her fans like a punch to the gut. The posts that falsely announced her passing were accompanied by fake family tributes and hashtags like #RIPMagda. It wasn’t just a rumor; it was a deliberate act of cruelty that preys on the vulnerability of a community who deeply cares for her. Within hours, grief-stricken messages flooded her social media profiles, as her followers tried to process the devastating news.
The speed at which the hoax spread — with some websites reporting it as fact — was alarming. The fact that such lies could cause so much pain was not lost on Szubanski, who called the situation “confronting” in a follow-up Instagram post. “It’s confronting enough dealing with the real thing,” she wrote. “These lies make it harder for everyone. But they won’t win. I’m still smiling because of you all.”
Magda’s Life of Laughter, Advocacy, and Unwavering Resilience
Magda Szubanski is a legend in the world of entertainment, a woman who has captivated the hearts of Australians for decades. Her career breakthrough came with the sketch comedy show Fast Forward, where her sharp impressions and memorable characters made her a household name. But it was her iconic role as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim — a character beloved for her awkward charm and loyalty — that cemented her place in Australian comedy history.
Szubanski’s international fame reached new heights with her role as Esme Hoggett in the Babe films, but it wasn’t just her acting that made her a national treasure. She has used her platform for activism, advocating for LGBT rights and playing a pivotal role in Australia’s 2017 same-sex marriage campaign. Her memoir Reckoning, which explores her father’s experiences in World War II and her own journey, won widespread acclaim.
In recognition of her contributions to entertainment and advocacy, Szubanski was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2016. In 2025, she was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to her incredible career and the impact she has had on her country.
A Message of Hope, Strength, and Love
In the wake of the cruel hoax, Szubanski continues to send a powerful message of resilience and gratitude. “Every day is a gift,” she wrote in her latest post. “I’m recovering day by day — some days are harder, but I’m here, I’m grateful, and I’m surrounded by incredible people. My condition is still serious — the lymphoma is aggressive, the treatment is intense — but scans and markers show we’re pushing back. I’m not out of the woods, but I’m walking through them with you all beside me.”
She closed with a call for kindness: “No more hoaxes, no more scams. Just love. That’s what gets me through.” And as her words echo across the internet, they serve as a reminder to everyone: the truth always prevails, and love will always overcome cruelty.
Magda Szubanski’s unwavering strength, indomitable spirit, and honesty have inspired millions of people who, like her, continue to fight, cherish every moment, and face life’s challenges with a smile. As she continues her battle, her fans remain by her side, not just as followers, but as a community united in love, support, and hope.
“Still here. Still smiling. And I’m not going anywhere.”
