By Kerrie O'Brien
Rebel Wilson, Adam Hills and Sami Shah are among the comedy figures who have paid tribute to Cal Wilson after the comedian and actor’s death at the age of 53.
After hearing of the New Zealand-born comedian’s death following a short illness on Wednesday morning, Wilson revealed she had collaborated with her on a number of projects.
Cal Wilson appeared at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 14 times and was a member of its board.
“I was very, very lucky to work with Cal on multiple projects, especially over the last few years where she wrote brilliant material for me,” the actor said. “She was amazingly talented and amazingly kind.”
Fellow comedian Sami Shah said “In this industry, it’s impossible to find someone universally loved and respected. Cal was that impossibility.”
Wilson moved to Melbourne in 2003 to star in the sketch show Skithouse and went on to become one of Australia’s best-known comedians. A regular on Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, Would I Lie To You and Have You Been Paying Attention?, she also had her own Netflix stand-up special.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Token Artists, who managed Wilson, said: “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. She was 53 years old.”
“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.”
“Cal was probably best known as a stand-up comedian who appeared at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 14 times and was a member of its board. Most recently, she co-hosted The Great Australian Bake Off for Foxtel alongside Natalie Tran, which was in production when Cal was first admitted to hospital,” the statement from Token said.
She is survived by her husband Chris and son Digby. The family has asked for privacy.
Speaking to this masthead last year, Wilson said her father instilled in her a love of books. “We used to play a 1920s game, Winkle’s Wedding. You had a story to read which had word blanks; that’s when I realised words could be funny and bring delight. The game helped me become quick-witted, and while I couldn’t beat my brothers physically in a fight as a kid, I developed a quick brain to get back at them.”
Earlier this year, she made a foray into more a different style of television - although with her trademark humour - appearing alongside Adam Liaw and John Safran in the SBS documentary series Who The Bloody Hell Are We? looking into Australia’s multicultural past. The irony of a Kiwi appearing on such a program was not lost on her.
She also hosted The Moth story slam, a live storytelling event that became a global phenomena in recent years. According to a post on the Melbourne Moth’s Facebook page, the event to be held Wednesday night was dedicated to “the joy, colour, compassion, humour and beauty that was Cal Wilson”.
In 2019, she wrote two children’s books called George and the Great Bum Stampede, and George and the Great Brain Swappery.
A portrait of Wilson, by Andrea Huelin, wearing a headdress made of doll parts and Christmas baubles, won this year’s Packing Room Prize at the Archibald Prize. In lockdown, Wilson made elaborate and ridiculous headdresses that she shared with her online community.
Rhys Nicholson paid tribute on Instagram: “It’s hard to describe her, because everything you want to say comes out sounding like a pile of cliches. I was always relieved to see Cal. Anywhere. At very good gigs, very shit gigs, dinners, parties. Spaces had a particular vibe when she was around. You knew whatever was going on, it would at least be more funny, more warm and just more bloody silly because Cal was there. I don’t think it’s hit all of us yet.
“I’m finding it so hard to fathom our friend is gone, given she had so much life in her. And was just truly f---ing generous with that life. Curious, profoundly fanciful and absolutely biting when it was needed. She was all in. A gift we got to enjoy for not nearly enough time. Our thoughts and hearts are with her family. I don’t know what we’re going to do, but tell your friends you love them today.”
Working Dog, makers of Have You Been Paying Attention?, issued a statement saying: “We’re devastated to hear of the passing of our friend, Cal Wilson. Her warmth, kindness and effortless ability to make us laugh will be something we’ll remember forever.”
Writing on X, Adam Hills said “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.”
Also on X, fellow New Zealander Melanie Bracewell said, “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.”
Other friends and industry peers, including Myf Warhust, Jan Fran, Dylan Alcott and Grant Denyer, shared their sadness in comments on the statement shared on Wilson’s Instagram page.
“I can’t even comprehend this right now. Go well gorgeous Cal,” wrote Fran.
Denyer called Wilson, “The most tender, kind, generous and talented performer I’ve ever had the pleasure to work alongside.”
Nazeem Hussain described her as “the most kind and beautiful soul”.
Actor Toni Pearen said Wilson was “one of the kindest people in showbiz”.
“She helped me through a difficult time and stood strong for me and encouraged me beyond measure ... She is a reminder about what’s good in the world.”
Myf Warhurst paid tribute, saying: “What a joy it was to be in her magnificent orbit over the years.”
Susan Provan, director of Melbourne International Comedy Festival, said: “We are all so deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear friend Cal Wilson. Cal has always been a beacon of joy and smiles in and around the Festival – a dedicated board member, fearless, funny and a loved and loving advocate for her creative world. We will miss her greatly.”
Wendy Moore, group general manager, Lifestyle, Foxtel Group described Wilson as “an amazing, vibrant person”.
“Cal joined our Bake Off cast last year and instantly brought her unique sparkle to the show,” Moore said in a statement. “Her professionalism, work ethic and genuine heart-warming humour instantly made her a favourite amongst cast and crew, as well as the Australian audience.”
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