Tributes pour in for Cal Wilson after her shock death aged 53

One of the nation’s favourite comedians known for her stand-up and appearances on Aussie television has died after a short illness.

Tributes have poured in from Australia’s top comedians after the shock death of Cal Wilson.

A regular on the Australian comedy circuit, Wilson died aged 53 after a short illness.

“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 in hospital after a short illness,” a post on her Instagram read on Wednesday morning.

Cal Wilson was known for her appearances on Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here and Would I Lie To You.

Tributes have poured in for the late comedian.

“Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.”

Leading Australian entertainers have been quick to honour the New Zealander, with Shaynna Blaze describing it as “heartbreaking”.

“I can’t even comprehend this right now. The most divine, radiant person who I have watched, admired and worked alongside,” she wrote on social media.

Comedian and Hollywood star Rebel Wilson said Ms Wilson’s death was “so tragic”.

“This is so tragic and my heart goes out to Cal’s family,” she wrote.

“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. She was amazingly talented and amazingly kind.”

Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott described the news as “absolutely devastating”.

“Cal you are such a beautiful person who always had time for everyone. Was always a pleasure any time I got to work next to you,” he said.

“A ray of sunshine. You will be so missed, Cal,” comedian Melanie Bracewell said.

“Completely heartbreaking news. Cal was the most kind and beautiful soul. Sending all our love to her family,” fellow comedian Nazeem Hussain said.

Television host Grant Denyer said he was left “shaking” by the news.

“I can’t believe what I’m reading. How unbelievably sad. The most tender, kind, generous and talented performer I’ve ever had the pleasure to work alongside,” Mr Denyer said.

This portrait of Ms Wilson won the Packing Room Prize at this year's Archibald.

“This is devastating. Her poor family. Love you Cal … thanks for everything. You are very special.”

Danii Minogue and Tanya Hennessy also expressed their heartbreak and passed on well wishes to her family.

She is survived by her husband Chris and son Digby.

Ms Wilson has been a constant in Australia‘s comedy scene for 20 years, first moving to Melbourne to star in sketch show Skithouse in 2003.

She would go on to host her own Netflix stand-up special and appear in iconic shows such as Spicks and Specks, Would I Lie to You, Thank God You’re Here and Have You Been Paying Attention.

She last appeared as a co-host of The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Natalie Tran, which was in production before she was first admitted to hospital.

Ms Wilson also made headlines when a portrait of her wearing an elaborate headdress made in the Covid-19 lockdown, painted by Andrea Huelin, won the prestigious Packing Room Prize at the 2023 Archibald.

Working Dog Productions, which produces shows that Ms Wilson was a part of, said they were “devastated to hear of the passing of our friend.

“Her warmth, kindness and effortless ability to make us laugh will be something we‘ll remember forever,” they said.

“My heart is broken for her family and for everyone that has ever met her because she was amazing, today is a terrible day,” comedian Urzila Carlson wrote.

“I can’t even comprehend this right now. Go well gorgeous Cal,” journalist Jan Fran wrote.

“Cal was a shining light. Thinking of her loved ones at this time of great loss,” Studio 10 host Narelda Jacobs said.

Originally published as Tributes pour in for Cal Wilson after her shock death aged 53