What happened to Cal Wilson? The famed Bake Off host has been confirmed dead aged 53. What she died of, her career and fortune explored.
Cal Wilson had a successful career in the entertainment industry that spanned over two decades.
She was one of the outstanding Hollywood stand-up comedians from New Zealand. She also doubled as a writer, radio, and television presenter.
The world learned about the Australian-based comic character’s tragic death on October 11, 2023, and following that, many want to know more about her cause of death, career, and net worth. Here’s what we know.
What was Cal Wilson’s cause of death?
Comedian Cal Wilson has died aged 53 following a battle with a “short illness”.
The much loved Great Australian Bake Off host passed away at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, her management said.
Wilson, alongside Natalie Tran, co-hosted The Great Australian Bake Off on Foxtel, which was being filmed at the time she was admitted to hospital.
Following her death, 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.”
Close friend and fellow comedian Damian Callinan told ABC Wilson was “surrounded by love” when she died.
“It was a short illness. It was a mystery illness, and they didn’t know what it was until it was too late, basically,” he said.
Callinan said he was “very grateful” to be a part of the group able to say their final goodbyes to Wilson when she passed yesterday, alongside her family.
Wilson’s management, Token Artists, told News AU: “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”.
Wilson is survived by her husband, Chris, and son, Digby.
Tributes have poured in online from fellow comedians and former colleagues.
New Zealand actor, Rhys Darby, posted his shock at the sad news in the comments section of a tribute post on her official Instagram page.
“Unbelievable. She was beautiful in every way. An amazing talent, such a quick brain and so much style and taste,” the Flight of the Conchords star wrote.
“This hurts hard. Sending big love to Chris, Digby and family.”
Actress Rebel Wilson said Wilson 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.
One of Wilson’s former colleagues and radio personality Jo Stanley wrote: “There is no way of making sense of this brutally sad loss. This glorious shining light, the kindest and most brilliant and funny and clever soul.
“My heart breaks. Thinking with heaviest of heart of her husband and beautiful son. I feel so blessed to have spent time with and worked with you, beautiful Cal.”
Hard Quiz host and fellow Skithouse regular Tom Gleeson also paid a public tribute to the comedian.
“Cal, I’ll miss the live shows you were going to do and the whacky craft you were going to make but mostly I’ll miss nattering away with you backstage, at airports, in Taragos and all those writers rooms we shared,” he wrote.
Comedian Adam Hills said the news of his friend’s death had “broken me slightly” but said the display of love for the much-adored star had been heartwarming.
“She was one of life’s best people and she made everyone happy. Everyone. Off stage and on,” he wrote.
“That’s how you live a life. May her spirit live on.”
What was Cal Wilson’s net worth?
For her long years of being active in the entertainment industry, the famed comic star accumulated an impressive fortune and died a multimillionaire. Per reports, Cal Wilson had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of her death. She accrued her money from her work as a stand-up comedian, author, and radio and television presenter.
The stand-up comedian moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2003 and was a regular on the country’s comedy circuit for two decades.
She performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 14 times and had her own Netflix comedy special.
Wilson co-founded the Court Jesters improv group in 1990 and was part of the New Zealand team that won the World Theatresports title in Los Angeles in 1994.
In 1997 was the inaugural winner (with Ewen Gilmour) of New Zealand’s most prestigious comedy award, the Billy T. She also regularly appeared on TV3’s Pulp Comedy.
In 2001, Wilson won the “Best Newcomer” award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. She appeared to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004.
Her 2006 show, Up There, Cal Wilson, sold out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.