The veil of gloom has descended over Australia’s comedy industry with the passing of acclaimed Kiwi-born comedian, Cal Wilson. At 53 years of age, Wilson breathed her last in Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, encircled by kin and dear ones. She was an indomitable force of joy and laughter, originating from Christchurch and embraced by {Australia.
Never fleeting from hearts, Cal Wilson was more than just a much-adored comedian; she was a prolific writer, an articulate actor, and a beacon of mirth who left us today. Her journey in her final days, as fleeting as they were, found comfort in being surrounded by family, friends, and the irreplaceable love her admirers showered upon her. Yearning for her vivacious spirit, her friends at Token Artists expressed their anguish, recalling the consistency in Cal’s generosity, talent, and camaraderie that had become synonymous with the Australian comedic landscape over the past 20 years. The void she leaves in the heart of our community is deep, as echoed by her beloved family, friends, fans, and colleagues.
Cal embarked on her Australian odyssey in 2003, relocating to Melbourne. She first stepped into the spotlight with the sketch show ‘Skithouse’, setting the foundation for her ascendance as a celebrated comedian down under. Her fame spread beyond borders, thanks to her sterling performances on ‘Spicks and Specks’, ‘Good News Week’, ‘Would I Lie To You’, not to mention her very own Netflix stand-up special.
A cherished voice in the Australian comedy landscape, Wilson continued enriching the scene with frequent appearances at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Her commitment transcended performance- she eventually became a member of the festival’s board, welcoming the voices of newcomers while shaping the future of comedy. Her talents were widely recognized, winning her one of the inaugural Billy T Awards in 1997 during the NZ International Comedy Festival.
Despite being a regular on Australia’s ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’ and co-hosting ‘The Great Australian Bake-Off’, Cal’s journey was cut short by an untimely illness. It was during the production of the latter that Wilson had her first hospital admission. However, her spirit remained undeterred. During Australia’s Covid-19 lockdowns, Wilson continued to engage her community, creating elaborate and hilarious headdresses to keep spirits high. A portrait of Wilson, featuring her donning one of these unique creations, even won the distinguished Archibald Prize.
Survived by her husband Chris and son Digby, Cal Wilson leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love. Tributes have poured in from industry peers and followers alike. Renowned New Zealand personalities, including actor-comedian Rhys Darby, comedian Guy Montgomery, singer-songwriter Lizzie Marvelly, and comedian Melanie Bracewell have shared heartfelt messages honoring Wilson. Comedian Urzila Carlson echoed these sentiments, mourning the loss of an ‘amazing’ woman, while international figures like Australian actor-comedian Rebel Wilson and Comedy Central star Ronnie Chieng too have shared their heartfelt condolences. Today, we remember and celebrate Cal Wilson, a comedian who filled our lives with laughter and whose memory will continue to do so.
