New Zealand actor, writer, television host and stand-up comedian Cal Wilson has died aged 53.
Wilson – who was best known for her work as a stand-up comedian and was most recently the host of Great Australian Bake Off – passed away following a “short illness”, her management said on Wednesday.
“Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community,” a statement on her social media pages said.
Who was Cal Wilson?
Cal Wilson was a New Zealander stand-up comedian, author, radio and television presenter who was based in Australia.
Wilson was well known for her work in NZ and Australia, where she appeared on the ABC’s Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, Would I Lie to You and had her own Netflix comedy special.
She appeared at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 14 times and was a member of its board.
In 2012 Wilson was a guest panelist on the UK comedy quiz show QI hosted by British actor and writer Stephen Fry.
In 2019 she became a published children’s author after penning, George and the Great Bum Stampede and George and the Great Brain Swappery.
She was the co-host of The Great Australian Bake Off, which aired on Foxtel earlier this year.
A colourful portrait of Wilson by artist Andrea Huelin won this year’s Packing Room Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Fellow comedians and performers paid tribute on her Instagram page.
Actor and comedian Rebel Wilson said she was “amazingly talented and amazingly kind”.
“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 wrote.
NZ actor Rhys Darby described her as “an amazing talent”.
“Such a quick brain and so much style and taste. This hurts hard,” he wrote.
Comedian, writer and media personality Mikey Robins posted on social media that Wilson was ‘one of the funniest, loveliest people to have ever graced the comedy stage”.
“Cal Wilson was very special. My heart goes out to those who held her close,” he wrote.
Wilson is survived by her husband Chris and son Digby.
Cal Wilson cause of death
The exact cause of Cal Wilson’s untimely death remains unconfirmed. However, her agency did mention a “short illness.”
In a statement, her management said that she was “surrounded by family and friends after a short illness at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.”
They said: “Vale Cal Wilson. 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.
“Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.” Speaking to ABC Statewide Drive Victoria, close friend and comedian Damian Callinan explained that Cal and her family didn’t know until it was “too late”.
He told the network: “It was a short illness. It was a mystery illness, and they didn’t know what it was until it was too late, basically,” before adding that he was “very grateful” to be part of the group fo people to say their final goodbye to Cal.
Meanwhile, Foxtel said: “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.”
Friend Darren Purchase who sits as a judge on The Great Australian Bake Off claimed that Cal was “very sick” the last time he saw her. He said: “I am sorry this has happened to such a good person and I cannot get out of my head the last time I saw her when she was very sick.
I wish I could give her a hug and tell her how much she means to me and so many people.” Since the news of her death was shared, celebrities have flocked to social media to share their condolences.
Australian actress Rebel Wilson penned: “This is so tragic and my heart goes out to Cal’s family. 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.”
While Grant Denyer added: “Oh my goodness. I’m shaking. 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. This is devastating. Her poor family. Love you Cal… thanks for everything. You are very special. Xox.”
When is Cal Wilson funeral?
As of now, the funeral date of the late Cal Wilson has not been disclosed by her family.
Having said that, we are still following up on her death, we will update you as soon as we get important information about Cal Wilson funeral service.
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