Comedian, actor and writer Cal Wilson has died at age 53 from a short illness.
Best known for her stand-up shows and her television appearances on Spicks and Specks, Good News Week and Would I Lie To You, Wilson died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, with loved ones by her side.
A statement released from her management company Token Artists on Wednesday morning said Wilson, who is originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, has left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
“Cal’s generosity, talent and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last twenty years,” the statement read,
“Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.”
Comedian Cal Wilson has died after a short illness, at the age of 53. This statement from her management company Token. pic.twitter.com/3KTeiFOR49
— steph harmon (@stephharmon) October 10, 2023
Wilson was the co-host of Foxtel’s upcoming new season of The Great Australian Bake Off, and it was during production of the series that she was first admitted to hospital, according to the statement.
Wilson moved to Melbourne in 2003 to star in Skithouse, an Australian sketch comedy TV show, which led to a career as one of Australia’s best-known comedians.
She performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 14 times and was a board member for the organisation.
A portrait of Wilson wearing a headdress made of doll parts and Christmas baubles won the Packing Room Prize in the 2023 Archibald Prize. The painting referred to the comedian’s lockdown project of making elaborate headdresses and sharing them on social media with her online community.
Wilson is survived by her husband Chris and son Digby.
Tributes
Australian comedians, TV and radio personalities and many other people online have shared a tribute to Cal Wilson, expressing their shock and grief over her death.
Adam Hills worked with Wilson in his role as host of Spicks and Specks. He shared a message on X (Twitter) to “one of life’s best people… off stage and on”.
The news of Cal’s death has broken me slightly but the outpouring of love for her has been so heartwarming. She was one of life’s best people and she made everyone happy. Everyone. Off stage and on. That’s how you live a life. May her spirit live on. Love ya Calbo. X
— Adam Hills (@adamhillscomedy) October 11, 2023
Melanie Bracewell also posted a tribute to Wilson on X. The co-host of The Cheap Seats spoke of how Wilson inspired her as a fellow Kiwi comedian.
It’s tough to find words in times like this. But Cal Wilson was one of the first kiwi women I saw on TV regularly being funny. I thought “I so wish I could be her friend”. I feel lucky that I got to know her. Funny, supportive, kind, a lasting legacy. ❤️
— Melanie Bracewell (@meladoodle) October 11, 2023
Mikey Robins, an Australian comedian and media personality, said Wilson was “one of the funniest, loveliest people” in comedy.
One of the funniest, loveliest people to have ever graced the comedy stage is no longer with us
— Mikey Robins (@MikeyRobins) October 11, 2023
Cal Wilson was very special
My heart goes out to those who held her close
Tom Gleeson, who worked with Wilson in stand-up comedy shows, as well as other Australian television programs, spoke of the “backstage” moments he shared with his friend.
Cal, I’ll miss the live shows you were going to do and the whacky craft you were going to make but mostly I’ll miss nattering away with you backstage, at airports, in Taragos and all those writers rooms we shared. Love TG. pic.twitter.com/jGxpNf6dbK
— Tom Gleeson (@nonstoptom) October 11, 2023