Beloved comedian Cal Wilson passes away at 53
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The Australian entertainment community is reeling from the devastating news that acclaimed comedian Cal Wilson passed away this week at 53 years old.
Wilson's cause of death was revealed to be an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer.
According to reports, the Melbourne-based comic privately battled the disease while filming for The Great Australian Bake Off in Sydney.
She was suddenly hospitalised after being treated for severe back pain, likely a symptom of the cancer advancing.
Wilson died surrounded by loved ones at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital days later.
Wilson's management company, Token Artists, announced her passing, stating: 'We are devastated to share the news that Cal Wilson, the much-loved stand-up comedian, writer and actor, died today, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.'
'Cal's generosity, talent and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last twenty years. Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers, and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.'
Originally from New Zealand, Wilson moved to Australia in 2003 and soon became a fixture on the stand-up circuit.
She won Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and appeared at the event an impressive 14 times over her decorated career.
In addition to stand-up and stage shows, Wilson regularly appeared on beloved Australian TV programs like Have You Been Paying Attention?, Rove Live, Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, The Project, and Hughesy, We Have a Problem.
She also co-hosted The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Natalie Tran, delighting fans with her signature warmth and wit.
Cal Wilson is survived by her husband, Chris Woods, and her 14-year-old son, Digby. In one of her final interviews just months before her passing, she spoke warmly about her teenage son.
During an appearance on Adam Miller's Bakeology podcast, the host asked her what legacy she thought she would leave for Digby. Cal replied warmly, 'I think it will be for pancakes because that's a fairly regular weekend thing.'
'And when you serve the pancakes, you throw them like a frisbee, the first couple, and then if you're going to have maple syrup on them, obviously you don't do that. You always do the test pancake—hurl it across the kitchen.'
She also noted that their gingerbread baking sessions would likely leave a lasting impression on Digby. With a touch of humour, she added, 'We make a lot of gingerbread together. Well, we start making it together, and he goes off with the lump of dough as any good child should.'
Credit: TheMelbComedyFest.
Her untimely passing is a devastating loss for her family and the entertainment community, and social media tributes poured in.
'This is so tragic, and my heart goes out to Cal's family,' fellow comedian Rebel Wilson wrote. 'She was amazingly talented and amazingly kind.'
Shaynna Blaze was equally devastated, finding it 'heartbreaking'. She said, 'I can't even comprehend this right now. The most divine, radiant person who I have watched, admired and worked alongside.'
Dylan Alcott, the Australian of the Year, paid tribute to Cal as a 'beautiful person who always had time for everyone'.
Meanwhile, TV host Grant Denyer found the news so shocking that it left him 'shaking'. He expressed his disbelief and sadness, praising Cal as the 'most tender, kind, generous, and talented performer' he had ever worked with.
While the circumstances of her death are tragic, Cal Wilson leaves behind a legacy as one of Australia's most popular and influential comedians. She brought laughter and joy to audiences for years, and her memory will live on through generations of fans.
Cal Wilson had so much more to offer the world. She will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
Wilson's cause of death was revealed to be an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer.
According to reports, the Melbourne-based comic privately battled the disease while filming for The Great Australian Bake Off in Sydney.
She was suddenly hospitalised after being treated for severe back pain, likely a symptom of the cancer advancing.
Wilson died surrounded by loved ones at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital days later.
Popular stand-up comedian and TV personality Cal Wilson has died at the age of 53. Credit: Facebook/Cal Wilson.
Wilson's management company, Token Artists, announced her passing, stating: 'We are devastated to share the news that Cal Wilson, the much-loved stand-up comedian, writer and actor, died today, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.'
'Cal's generosity, talent and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last twenty years. Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers, and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.'
Originally from New Zealand, Wilson moved to Australia in 2003 and soon became a fixture on the stand-up circuit.
She won Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and appeared at the event an impressive 14 times over her decorated career.
In addition to stand-up and stage shows, Wilson regularly appeared on beloved Australian TV programs like Have You Been Paying Attention?, Rove Live, Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, The Project, and Hughesy, We Have a Problem.
She also co-hosted The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Natalie Tran, delighting fans with her signature warmth and wit.
Cal Wilson is survived by her husband, Chris Woods, and her 14-year-old son, Digby. In one of her final interviews just months before her passing, she spoke warmly about her teenage son.
During an appearance on Adam Miller's Bakeology podcast, the host asked her what legacy she thought she would leave for Digby. Cal replied warmly, 'I think it will be for pancakes because that's a fairly regular weekend thing.'
'And when you serve the pancakes, you throw them like a frisbee, the first couple, and then if you're going to have maple syrup on them, obviously you don't do that. You always do the test pancake—hurl it across the kitchen.'
She also noted that their gingerbread baking sessions would likely leave a lasting impression on Digby. With a touch of humour, she added, 'We make a lot of gingerbread together. Well, we start making it together, and he goes off with the lump of dough as any good child should.'
Credit: TheMelbComedyFest.
Her untimely passing is a devastating loss for her family and the entertainment community, and social media tributes poured in.
'This is so tragic, and my heart goes out to Cal's family,' fellow comedian Rebel Wilson wrote. 'She was amazingly talented and amazingly kind.'
Shaynna Blaze was equally devastated, finding it 'heartbreaking'. She said, 'I can't even comprehend this right now. The most divine, radiant person who I have watched, admired and worked alongside.'
Dylan Alcott, the Australian of the Year, paid tribute to Cal as a 'beautiful person who always had time for everyone'.
Meanwhile, TV host Grant Denyer found the news so shocking that it left him 'shaking'. He expressed his disbelief and sadness, praising Cal as the 'most tender, kind, generous, and talented performer' he had ever worked with.
While the circumstances of her death are tragic, Cal Wilson leaves behind a legacy as one of Australia's most popular and influential comedians. She brought laughter and joy to audiences for years, and her memory will live on through generations of fans.
Cal Wilson had so much more to offer the world. She will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
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they are given the strength to get through this.
l’m sick of “oh a problems occurred”locks you out and you have to keep logging in.thats why I hardly bother anymore.
and those stupid sex things coming up are also annoying.
