Comedian Cal Wilson dies aged 53

New Zealand-born comedian Cal Wilson has died aged 53 after a short illness.

The actor and writer was surrounded by friends and family at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney when she died, her management at Token Artists said.

"Cal's generosity, talent and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last twenty years," they said.

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

Ms Wilson grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand and 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, Token Artists said.

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"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," they said.

She co-hosted The Great Australian Bake Off for Foxtel alongside Natalie Tran which was in production when Ms Wilson was first admitted to hospital.

The comedian made "elaborate and ridiculous" headdresses during lockdown that she shared with her online community.

A painting of Ms Wilson wearing a headdress made of doll parts and Christmas baubles featured in the 2023 Archibald Prize and won the Packing Room Prize.

Cal is survived by her husband Chris and son Digby and the family are asking for privacy at this time, Token Artists said.