One of Australia’s most beloved entertainers, Magda Szubanski, has officially been inducted into the TV WEEK Logies Hall of Fame – and honestly, it’s about time.
The actress, comedian, writer and activist has been a fixture of Aussie screens for more than three decades, building a career defined by razor-sharp wit, serious acting chops and a deep connection with audiences.
Whether she’s making us cackle as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim, tugging at our heartstrings in Babe, or standing up for equality in the marriage debate, Magda has always delivered.
Her breakout came in the late ’80s on The D-Generation, followed by Fast Forward and Big Girl’s Blouse, where she helped redefine sketch comedy on local TV.
But it was the aforementioned Kath & Kim that turned her into a true cultural icon.
As Sharon, she gave us a character so heartbreakingly sincere (and sporty!) that she’s still quoted at barbecues across the country.
Outside of comedy, Magda’s shown serious range – from her touching performance in Babe and its sequel, to her bestselling memoir Reckoning, which explored her family history and her own journey with identity.
She’s also a fierce advocate, having played a key role in Australia’s marriage equality campaign.
The Logies Hall of Fame is reserved for legends – those who’ve made an enduring impact on the Australian television landscape.
And Magda is now the fifth woman to ever receive the honour, joining a trailblazing list that includes Rebecca Gibney, Noni Hazlehurst, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and the late Ruth Cracknell.
David Campbell introduced the beloved comic, saying: “She moves through life with authenticity and integrity, and the ability to find laughter in literally any situation.”
Sadly, Magda couldn’t attend the 2025 Logie Awards in person due to her recent cancer diagnosis.
But she said in a pre-recorded acceptance speech that aired during the ceremony, “Hello my darlings, I am so sorry I cannot be there. I do have a good excuse this time, normally I don’t come because I can’t be bothered getting out of my pyjamas. This time there really is a reason. I want to say first of all, let’s get this out of the way, I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer, I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off.”
She continued, thanking Australia for the outpouring of love that she’s received since her diagnosis: “When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts. And I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way, I really feel it. I am really grateful to have had 40 years in this industry, in this country.”
