'I don't know how many times I have to correct the record': Aussie comedian breaks silence on her video resurfacing online

The entertainment industry is often filled with moments worth capturing on tape.

Yet, it's not every day that a red carpet moment from nearly two decades ago comes roaring back into the spotlight.


That's what happened with a now-viral video featuring two of Australia's most beloved stars—Magda Szubanski and the late Heath Ledger.

The clip, which racked up more than five million views online, sparked a fresh wave of confusion, controversy, and a bit of comic relief from Szubanski herself.

The footage came from a recording of the 2006 AFI Awards.


compressed-Magda Szubanki.jpeg
Magda Szubanski cleared up the air once again as her video with Heath Ledger resurfaced online. Image Credit: Fandom


In the video, a young Heath Ledger was being interviewed on the red carpet.

The camera then panned to reveal Magda Szubanski—dressed not as herself but as her Kath & Kim alter ego, Sharon Strzelecki.

Sharon, ever the starstruck sports tragic, absolutely lost her cool at the sight of the then-Batman actor.

Ledger, clearly in on the joke, dashed over and planted a dramatic, lingering kiss on Sharon.

Sharon immediately collapsed face-down on the red carpet in mock shock.

The crowd then erupted in laughter as the moment was immortalised on film.


Fast forward to today, the video has resurfaced on social media after being shared by people all over the world.

However, not everyone was in on the joke.

Many international viewers, unfamiliar with Kath & Kim or Sharon's character, took the clip at face value.

'This type of reaction should be discouraged,' one commented.

Some also misinterpreted the encounter as 'assault'.

Watch the clip here:

Source: Playtopia/YouTube

'Never forget the time Heath Ledger sexually assaulted a fan,' another wrote.

The confusion was only compounded by the original poster's caption.

'Never forget the time Heath Ledger made a fan's day unforgettable,' the caption read, which failed to mention that the 'fan' was actually Magda in character.


Amid the chaos on social media, Magda Szubanski once again cleared up the confusion.

'I don't know how many times I have to correct the record and tell people it's not some rando fan!!' Szubanski exclaimed.

'It's me, Magda Szubanski, as my character Sharon Strzelecki from Aussie sitcom Kath & Kim!'

She explained that while Heath did not know Sharon was going to scream quite so loudly, he played along perfectly, 'responding like a true Sharon fan. He pashed her!'

Apart from the video, Szubanski's fun-filled night did not end there.


Later in the evening, Sharon presented Heath Ledger with a Reader's Choice award, complete with a 'pash rash' and a cheeky reference to their earlier encounter.

Heath, ever the good sport, gave her a peck on the cheek as he accepted his award.

Magda then wrapped up her post with a heartfelt tribute to Ledger, who passed away in 2008 at just 28 years old.

'Beautiful Heath,' she wrote, which reminded everyone of his warmth, humour, and generosity.

This incident should be a reminder of how easily things can be misunderstood online.

What was a light-hearted, scripted comedy moment for Aussie audiences could look very different to those unfamiliar with Aussie culture.

Remember, next time you see a viral video, it's always worth checking the full story before jumping to conclusions, especially when Sharon Strzelecki is involved!
Key Takeaways

  • Australian comedian Magda Szubanski clarified the truth behind a viral video of Heath Ledger kissing her at the 2006 AFI Awards.
  • The video, which has resurfaced online, showed Szubanski dressed as her Kath & Kim character Sharon Strzelecki, with Ledger playing along as part of a skit.
  • Some online viewers, unfamiliar with the context, mistakenly believed Ledger's kiss was inappropriate and prompted Szubanski to correct the misunderstanding publicly.
  • Szubanski confirmed it was a comedic sketch, not a real incident, and finished her update by fondly remembering the late Heath Ledger.
Have you ever had a joke or a moment taken out of context online? Do you have fond memories of Kath & Kim and other Aussie comedy shows? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments section below!
 

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