NZ born comedian and presenter Cal Wilson, best known for The Great Australian Bake Off, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Spicks & Specks, has died, aged 53.
Token Artists management said in a statement, “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.”
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Cal moved to Melbourne in 2003 to star in the sketch show, Skithouse. She went on to become one of Australia’s best-known comedians with appearances on Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, Would I Lie To You? and in her own Netflix stand-up special.
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.
She hosted Sleuth 101 for ABC while her other credits included The Project, Celebrity Name Game, Show Me the Movie!, Would I Lie to You? Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Hughesy We Have a Problem, Slide Show, Rove Live, Dancing with the Stars, Thank God You’re Here, The Wedge and Kitty Is Not a Cat.
She most recently pressented Who The Bloody Hell Are We? on SBS.
In lockdown Cal also made elaborate and ridiculous headdresses that she shared with her online community and a painting of Cal wearing a headdress made of doll parts and Christmas baubles featured in the 2023 Archibald Prize, taking out the Packing Room Prize.
Cal is survived by her Husband Chris and son Digby. The family are asking for privacy at this time.
Wendy Moore, Group General Manager, Lifestyle, Foxtel Group: “We are all completely devastated to lose such an amazing, vibrant person. Cal joined our Bake Off cast last year and instantly brought her unique sparkle to the show. Her professionalism, work ethic and genuine heart-warming humour instantly made her a favourite amongst cast and crew, as well as the Australian audience. We will all miss her so much, and our hearts go out to her family and friends.”
Kylie Washington, General Manager and Creative Director Production, BBC Studios ANZ:“It has been an absolute privilege and joy to work with Cal. Cal joined the Bake Off family last year, she was a hugely talented presenter and comedian who brought so much laughter and warmth to the show. She will be greatly missed by us all and our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
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