An Icon Celebrated by all Australians, Magda Szubanski, one of our most beloved comedians and outspoken LGBTIQ advocates, has been officially inducted into the TV WEEK Logie Awards Hall of Fame, marking four decades of breaking new ground in entertainment and equality.
The accolade, long overdue in the view of many fans and peers, places Szubanski among the nation's television royalty for her enduring impact on Australian screen culture and social progress.
In May 2025, Magda Szubanski revealed her diagnosis with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, describing it as a “very rare, very aggressive, very serious” disease. The cancer was discovered incidentally during a routine breast screening. She began intensive treatment immediately and spoke candidly about her experience:
“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”
From Aussie Comedy Powerhouse to Cultural Icon
Szubanski first hit Australian screens in the mid-1980s, after being "talent-spotted" during university revues. She quickly became a household name through critical roles in classic sketch comedy shows like The D-Generation, Fast Forward, Full Frontal, and Big Girl’s Blouse, where her sharp wit and brilliant character creations shone brightly. Her unforgettable portrayal of Sharon Strzelecki in the hit series Kath & Kim has become a fundamental part of Australian pop culture, with Sharon’s "noice, different, unusual" catchphrases living on long after the show’s ended.
Beyond television, Magda has graced the big screen in internationally renowned films, including Babe and its sequel, as well as lending her voice to animated classics Happy Feet. Her writing and producing credits, including the creation of the detective-comedy Dogwoman, showcase her versatility and creative vision.
A Courageous Voice for the LGBTIQ Community
In 2012, Magda Szubanski made headlines when she came out as a lesbian on national television, using her platform on The Project to advocate for marriage equality in Australia. Her heartfelt statement resonated across the country:
"I am 1000% in favour of gay marriage. We pay taxes, fight wars for this country, nurse you when you are sick, make you laugh, sing and dance for you, play netball for you, star in your movies, cook your meals, decorate your store windows. All Australians, including gay Australians, should have exactly the same rights, including the right to love, marry and take care of our partners”.
Magda’s openness inspired countless Australians and played a crucial role in the Yes campaign for same-sex marriage, with advocates agreeing her visibility and heartfelt advocacy were "crucial" to the movement’s success. Reflecting on her decision to come out, she once shared:
“I wish I had come out publicly sooner, but there were tf pressures on people in the entertainment field”. — Out In Perth
She often speaks about how liberating her truth impacted her creative work, telling Archer Magazine:
"I hadn’t realised how much RAM I used to keep my life away from the public eye. It’s really tiring". Archer Magazine
Acceptance Speech: With Humour, Heart, and Perspective
Though unable to atiing coffee, sharing slow mealsne Logies ceremony in person, Szubanski delivered her acceptance via video, combining signature humour with honesty:
“Lobbying, bribing, threatening—whatever it took, finally it has all paid off...” she quipped of her path to Hall of Fame glory.
She also reflected on the role of persistence and solidarity in her long career, often acknowledging the LGBTIQ community by saying:
“If my journey has made it any easier for someone else to step into the light, then that’s the greatest honour of all.”
Breaking Barriers for the Next Generation
Describing herself as a “single, fat, middle-aged lesbian” Magda has long joked about breaking stereotypes, but her influence runs far deeper than comedy. She’s used her fame to push for meaningful social change, and her Hall of Fame induction stands as a testament to just how far she — and Australia — have come in her lifetime. Magda Szubanski’s career isn’t just a legacy of laughter, but proof that authenticity and courage can change hearts, laws, and lives.
Her Hall of Fame status is not just a personal milestone, it's a proud moment for the entire queer community she continues to inspire.
Instagram > Magda Szubanski (@magda_szubanski)
