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Rare cancer revealed as cause of Cal Wilson's death as stars pay tribute to 'shining soul' of comedy

The cause of comedian Cal Wilson's death has been revealed as a rare form of cancer, as tributes to the giant of Australia's comedy scene continue being made.

The death of the revered comedian, writer and actor at the age of 53  took many by surprise, and her peers in the entertainment industry have described her as "amazingly talented and amazingly kind".

When news of her death was announced, the cause was initially described as a "short illness". The ABC has confirmed that illness was a rare cancer.

The stand-up comedian had a prolific career which included performing at the Melbourne International Comedy 14 times and regularly appearing on TV shows such as Skithouse, Thank God You're Here, Spicks and Specks, and Have You Been Paying Attention?

Prior to Wilson's death, a new season of The Great Australian Bake Off featuring her as co-host was in production.

Dozens of close friends and colleagues gathered on Wednesday evening at Melbourne comedy venue Comedy Republic to remember Wilson.

Venue owner Alex Dyson said the informal event cropped up after news of Wilson's death spread.

"A lot of people were feeling the same feelings, which [were] shock, sadness and love … and so they wanted to be around people feeling the same thing," he said.

"You don't really know where to go in those situations.

"People who knew and were touched by the majesty that was Cal Wilson were able to console each other a bit and share some stories."

The presenter said it was heartwarming to see how many people had been influenced by Wilson.

"It's a big loss for the community and the common thread was just how everyone loved seeing Cal in the green room," he said.

"She was a presence that brought a lot of joy so it's nice that the community can put their arms around each other in that sort of time and celebrate one of the finest to ever do it."

Wilson described as 'a beacon of warmth and silliness'

Since news of the New Zealand-born comedian's death was announced publicly, stars from across Australia's comedy scene have shared their feelings of mourning and loss.

Rove McManus wrote on social media that he was "utterly devastated" and described Wilson as a "shining soul".

"Taken far far too soon from a world that adored her as much as she adored it," he wrote.

"We are a close bunch in the comedy business and Cal was one of everyone's favourites but also a stellar partner and mum. Sending all the love and light and support I can to her family especially right now."

Comedian Celia Pacquola described Wilson as "the best of us".

"Revisiting all of the beautiful memories of her I wish it was simply Cal appreciation day (a day that should exist) rather than this heartbreaking day signifying no more new memories," she wrote.

"Cal offered kindness and support freely, to me and many, for comedy and life.

"She was quick, funny, fierce, crafty, vibrant, caring and a beacon of warmth and silliness in any room."

UK-based Australian comedian Deborah Frances-White, who hosted The Guilty Feminist podcast, paid tribute to friend Wilson, who appeared on her show.

She said all those who knew Wilson in London's comedy community were reeling at news of the comedian's "highly untimely death".

"We are devastated. I cannot believe I will never get to do another show with her, I will never be able to have another hug from her," Frances-White said.

"She was joy and life and energy and wonder and kindness personified."

"We are devastated for her family. Both her son and husband and immediate family and also her comedy family."

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Kiwi comedian Cal Wilson dies aged 53: 'An amazing talent'

Cal Wilson in 2015 (Source: Getty)

Tributes are flowing for Kiwi stand-up comedian, writer and actor Cal Wilson, who died in Australia aged just 53.

Her death was announced in a statement from her agency today.

“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," Token Artists said.

“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."

She grew up in Christchurch and moved to Melbourne in 2003 to star in the sketch show Skithouse.

She later appeared in the likes of Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, Would I Lie To You and in her own Netflix stand-up special.

New Zealand actor Rhys Darby expressed his devastation at the news.

"Unbelievable. She was beautiful in every way. An amazing talent, such a quick brain and so much style and taste. This hurts hard," he wrote.

Comedian, Urzila Carlson said it was a "terrible day".

"My heart is broken for her family and for everyone that has ever met her because she was amazing."

Eli Matthewson took to his Instagram story, talking about how Wilson was his idol growing up.

"When I got to meet her I couldn't believe how kind and generous she was, and I think every Kiwi who has headed to the Melbourne Festival has seen how she looked out for us," said Matthewson

"Such an incredible, positive light in our community, and a devastating loss."

Melanie Bracewell said it was tough to find the words to express how she was feeling.

"Cal Wilson was one of the first Kiwi women I saw on TV regularly being funny. I thought “I so wish I could be her friend”. I feel lucky that I got to know her. Funny, supportive, kind, a lasting legacy," she said.

Rebel Wilson said her death was a tragedy.

"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," said Wilson.

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Cal Wilson dead at 53: New Zealand-born comedian and TV personality has died in Sydney

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Kiwi-born Cal Wilson has died after a short illness.

Kiwi-born comedian Cal Wilson has died in Sydney at the age of 53.

Wilson’s management said the popular stand-up and TV personality, originally from Christchurch, died surrounded by family and friends at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

“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,” the statement by Token Artists read.

“Cal’s generosity, talent and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last 20 years,” Token Artists said. “Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.”

Wilson 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.

Wilson became a fixture on the Australian comedy circuit, performing in the Melbourne Comedy Festival 14 times. She eventually became a member of its board.

In 1997, she became one of the inaugural winners of the Billy T Award, presented annually during the NZ International Comedy Festival.

On screen, she appeared on Australian show Have You Been Paying Attention? and co-hosted The Great Australian Bake-Off, which was in production at the time of Wilson’s first admission to hospital.

Wilson’s management also noted the star’s efforts to keep her community engaged during Australia’s Covid-19 lockdowns and announced that a portrait of Wilson has won an Archibald Prize.

“In lockdown, Cal 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,” Token Artists continued.

Wilson is survived by her husband, Chris, and son, Digby.

Several high-profile New Zealanders have shared tributes to the comedian online.

Actor and comedian Rhys Darby commented, “Unbelievable. She was beautiful in every way. an amazing talent, such a quick brain and so much style and taste.

“This hurts hard. Sending big love to Chris, Digby and family.”

Comedian Guy Montgomery simply wrote, “No-one with a bigger heart than Cal” alongside three broken-heart emojis.

Singer and songwriter Lizzie Marvelly, who wrote on Instagram, “No!!!!! Cal, you wonderful woman. I am so shocked and sad to hear this. Sending aroha to her whānau and friends. This is heartbreaking news xxx.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cal Wilson (@calbowilson)

“A ray of sunshine. You will be so missed, Cal,” comedian Melanie Bracewell said.

“My heart is broken for her family and for everyone that has ever met her because she was amazing, today is a terrible day,” Urzila Carlson wrote.

Others from around the globe also shared their condolences.

Australian actor and comedian Rebel Wilson wrote: “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.”

Comedy Central star Ronnie Chieng called the loss “extremely tragic and sudden” and shared “my sincere condolences to her family”.

Album Review

Cal wilson – ‘in your head’ [album review].

Characterized by Beatles-esque essence suffused with hints of sadness, In Your Head offers a delicious merger of ’60s alt-rock and pop.

In Your Head , the recent album released by indie-rock artist Cal Wilson was co-written by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) named Cal.X .

After his father passed away, Wilson found himself unable to process his pain. His feelings were blocked.

Wilson explains, “I felt like when my dad went away, my ability to create went away—he was also a songwriter and my first musical inspiration.” To process his feelings and express himself, Cal started exploring AI as a co-writer and emotional support.

The AI creative process involved the human co-writer feeding parameters to the platforms, such as stylistic cues, keywords, and even chord progressions.

Once completed, the album was recorded in one weekend at Portland, Oregon’s Trash Treasury Studio . Wilson and his favourite band, Seattle’s Heatwarmer , laid down the tracks under the auspices of producer Cameron Spies , who also mixed the album, while Mike Nolte handled mastering.

In Your Head begins with a country-rock-flavoured song, “Home of the Pale Horse,” riding a soft, sparkling piano and drawling guitar tones, conjuring up suggestions of The Beatles covering Pure Prairie League . Wilson’s voice has an alluring rhinal quality, imbuing the lyrics with slightly melancholic tones.

Entry points include the rambling, drifting feel of “Disappear,” riding a mid-tempo rhythm topped by winding layers of shimmering textures. While “Hummingbird,” whose title immediately recalls Cat Stevens , rolls out on dreamy, glimmering surfaces as Wilson’s tender, velvety timbres imbue the lyrics with sensitive savours.

Cal Wilson in 2023, photo by Robbie Augsperger

The retro, upbeat harmonics of “Glowing Lillies” transport listeners back to the ’60s, blending charming tinctures of indie-rock and pop coloration.

A personal favourite because of its teeter-tottering rhythm and bright and breezy sensation, “Yelling” unveils a persuasive melody full of shiny hues and lustrous harmonies.

In Your Head Track Listing:

1. Home of the Pale Horse 2. I Assume 3. Disappear 4. In Your Head 5. Hummingbird 6. Glowing Lillies 7. The World Died in a Dream 8. Yelling

Run Time: 23:33 Released Date: May 12, 2023 Record Label: Independent

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Who was Cal Wilson? Tributes pour in as popular comedian dies aged 53

C omedian Cal Wilson passed away on October 11, 2023, at the age of 53. While the exact cause of her death remains undisclosed, Women's Agenda revealed that Wilson was suffering from some illness, which led to her demise. Wilson, a writer and comedian, was mostly known for her appearance as Petal/Thorn/Rose in the animated series, Kitty Is Not a Cat , from 2018 to 2020.

Wilson's death was announced by her family on her official Instagram page with a picture. The caption stated:

"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."

Comedian Rove McManus shared a Facebook post , writing that she is gone from a world that "adored her as much as she adored it." The post continued:

"We are a close bunch in the comedy business and Cal was one of everyone's favourites but also a stellar partner and mum. Sending all the love and light and support I can to her family especially right now. Nothing but absolute love for you Cal. Now and always x."

Tributes for the late comedian poured in on social media, when the news of her death broke online.

Cal Wilson was known for her work on radio and television

The Guardian revealed that Cal Wilson was a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, and established the professional improv company called Court Jesters. She soon started to perform at different shows, winning several accolades.

Wilson also gained recognition for her appearances in many TV shows and became popular for being featured in a show titled, Pulp Comedy.

Furthermore, Cal frequently appeared on shows like The Project, Show Me the Movie!, Have You Been Paying Attention, and more. She later recorded her Netflix comedy special at the Just for Laughs festival held in Montreal. She also participated in Dancing with the Stars in 2008 and I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022.

Wilson was also the co-host of The Great Australian Bake Off . She pursued a successful career on radio, where she was the co-host of shows like The Akmal Show with Cal Wilson and Mornings .

Starting from 2018, she voiced Petal/Thorn/Rose in the animated series , Kitty Is Not a Cat . Cal was the author of two children's books that were published in 2019.

Netizens pay tribute on social media platforms, call her a "truly remarkable human"

Cal Wilson was known for her flawless work as a comedian. The official Facebook page of The Great Australian Bake Off wrote that she was a brilliant and funny person, adding:

"She also made all of us laugh every single day, both on-screen and off, and we all adored her. We are heartbroken. Our hearts are with her family and friends."

There was a lineup of tributes on social media from Cal's friends and fans, after the news of her death was revealed.

Wilson is survived by her husband Chris Woods and their son.

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Cal Wilson portrait wins packing room prize at 2023 Archibalds

Comedian ‘has not stopped beaming’ since learning Andrea Huelin’s portrayal of her in an elaborate headdress has claimed category decided by gallery staff

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A portrait of the comedian Cal Wilson by the Cairns artist Andrea Huelin has won the packing room prize, a subcategory of the prestigious Archibald prize for portraiture.

Clown jewels, featuring the New Zealand-born comedian in an elaborate headdress and purple silk, collected the $3,000 prize, which is now in its 32nd year. The packing room gong was previously decided by the Art Gallery of New South Wales’s former head packer Brett Cuthbertson. For the first time, this year’s winner was chosen by three gallery staff, Timothy Dale, Monica Rudhar and Alexis Wildman.

Huelin said the inspiration for the portrait came from Wilson’s Instagram posts during Covid-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, when she would share elaborate headpieces she had made from toys, ornaments and a hot glue gun.

“Her poses reminded me of my sister and me making ourselves laugh by pulling funny faces in the mirror as kids and I could tell we share a similar sense of humour,” she said. “I posted a congratulatory comment and Cal wrote back and admired my paintings, so I asked if she’d sit for a portrait.

“The formal portrait mocks the 19th-century style in which women were once painted, while capturing her cheeky expression and sparkly headpiece.”

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Wilson said: “I have not stopped beaming since I heard the news. I just love Andrea’s work, and I loved sitting for her … I’m thrilled that something so frivolous has been immortalised with such grandeur and skill.”

Wildman said Huelin’s painting “jumped out at us as soon as it arrived” and that it was “a great, joyful portrait of someone who has brought so much laughter to Australia”.

Huelin said she felt privileged to be the first artist chosen by the new packing room pickers following Cuthbertson’s retirement last year after 41 years in the job.

“It means such a lot to me as an artist from a regional centre ... to be included in the Archibald will really help me feel more connected to my industry,” she said.

The 57 finalists vying for the $100,000 Archibald prize, Australia’s oldest national portrait prize, were also revealed on Thursday, with self-portraits and artists painting other artists dominating the field.

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The prize was established in 1921, with the subject being “preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics”, and there has been a long Archibald tradition of artists painting themselves and each other. This year is no exception, with almost half of the finalists submitting self-portraits or portraits of artists.

There is just one scientist among the sitters – the University of New South Wales quantum physics professor Michelle Simmons, painted by Charles Mouyat; as well as two politicians – the independent Sydney MP, Alex Greenwich, by Jason Jowett and the City of Sydney councillor Yvonne Weldon by Luke Cornish; and three sitters who could be regarded as people of “letters”: the writer Drusilla Modjeska by Katherine Hattam, the founding Saturday Paper editor, Erik Jensen, by Angela Brennan and Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, by Judith Sinnamon.

More than a dozen portraits feature prominent people in entertainment, including the late musician Archie Roach (painted by Anh Do), the actor Claudia Karvan (painted by Laura Jones) and singer the Daniel Johns (painted by Matt Adnate).

Just two finalists feature sporting figures: the NRL footballer Latrell Mitchell by Zoe Young, and the boxer Harry Garside by John Hillier.

The AGNSW received 949 entries for this year’s Archibald, coming close to the record set in 2020.

One artist achieved the distinction of being the sitter in a painting up for the Archibald as well as being a finalist in the $40,000 Sulman prize for subject painting, genre painting or a mural project, whose finalists were also announced on Thursday, along with the $50,000 Wynne prize for landscape painting or figurative sculpture.

A portrait of Mostafa “Moz” Azimitabar by the 19-year-old artist Charlotte Ruth is a finalist for the Archibalad. Azimitabar’s submission for the Sulman prize, No Friend But the Mountains, borrows the title of a book written by a fellow Kurdish Iranian refugee, Behrouz Boochani. Azimitabar is known for his use of coffee and toothbrushes to create his work – these were the only materials he had to work with during six years in detention on Manus Island.

Ruth is not the youngest artist to make the Archibald cut. In 2017 a group of 301 boys aged between five and 12 from Sydney Grammar’s Edgecliff preparatory school had their joint work hung. Goodbye, Sir! was a portrait of the former Sydney Grammar principal John Vallance.

And in 1946 a 15-year-old Rolf Harris was selected as a finalist for his painting, Portrait of a schoolboy.

The finalists in all three prizes will be announced on 5 May and will be exhibited at the AGNSW from 29 April until 3 September. The exhibition then will tour Victoria and regional NSW.

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Cal Wilson was a New Zealander stand-up comedian , author, and radio and television presenter who was primarily based in Australia. During her career, she appeared on Australian comedy shows like SkitHOUSE, Rove Live, Thank God You're Here, Good News Week, Spicks and Specks and more. Furthermore, her hosting role for the seventh season of The Great Australian Bake Off was revealed in August 2022. Tragically, Cal Wilson's promising career and life were cut short, as she passed away on October 11, 2023, at the age of 53, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Cal Wilson Biography

Cal Wilson, a celebrated New Zealander comedian, author, and presenter based in Australia, achieved the prestigious Billy T. comedy award in 1997, shared with Ewen Gilmour. She also hosted The Great Australian Bake Off and appeared on SBS's "Who the Bloody Hell Are You?" Sadly, she died on October 11, 2023, at age 53. 

Cal Wilson was born on October 5, 1970, in Christchurch, New Zealand, with Wellington as her hometown. She held New Zealander nationality and came from a mixed ethnic background. In 2023, she last celebrated her 53rd birthday. About her family, she was the daughter of her father, Fraeme, an engineer, and her mother, Barbara, who worked as a primary school teacher. Growing up, she had two siblings: Richard, a civil engineer, and Sean, a physiotherapist. Following her high school education in Christchurch, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Canterbury .

Cal Wilson Career

Cal Wilson, a notable figure in the world of comedy, co-founded the Court Jesters improv group in 1990 and achieved international recognition as part of the New Zealand team that secured the World Theatresports title in Los Angeles in 1994. She transitioned to stand-up comedy, and in 1997, she became the first-ever winner of New Zealand's prestigious Billy T. Comedy Award, sharing the honor with Ewen Gilmour.

Wilson was a regular presence on TV3's Pulp Comedy and later moved to Melbourne in 2003. In 2001, she clinched the "Best Newcomer" award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and her performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004 garnered critical acclaim. Notably, her 2006 show, "Up There, Cal Wilson," enjoyed sold-out success at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Furthermore, Cal had also appeared on the Australian comedy shows SkitHOUSE, Rove Live, Thank God You're Here, Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, The Project, Celebrity Name Game, Show Me the Movie!, Would I Lie to You? Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention? and Hughesy, We Have a Problem, and the New Zealand TV show 7 days. In 2002, she contributed to the screenplay of the New Zealand sitcom "Willy Nilly."

Moving forward, she joined the ensemble cast of the Australian sketch comedy TV show "The Wedge" in 2007. Additionally, she participated in the eighth series of the Australian "Dancing with the Stars" in 2008, where, paired with series 7 winner Craig Monley, she was the third eliminated contestant. In 2010, Wilson assumed the role of host for the program Sleuth 101 and also engaged in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Great Debate. 

In 2012, she made guest appearances on the UK comedy quiz show QI and later served as the captain of "Team Cal" on the Australian TV series Slide Show in 2013. In 2018, Wilson lent her voice to characters Petal and Thorn in the children's TV series Kitty Is Not a Cat. She recorded a Netflix Original Comedy Special titled Comedians of the World in 2019, representing New Zealand, and embarked on a stand-up tour with her show "Gifted Underachiever."

In 2022, Wilson participated in the eighth season of the Australian version of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here. In August 2022, it was announced that she would take on the hosting duties for the seventh season of The Great Australian Bake Off, joining forces with Natalie Tran and welcoming new judges Darren Purchese and Rachel Khoo. Furthermore, in mid-2023, Wilson made an appearance in SBS's Who the Bloody Hell Are You? during Season 1, Episode 2. 

In 2007, Cal Wilson embarked on a co-hosting venture alongside Akmal Saleh, delivering the drive-time radio show "The Akmal Show with Cal Wilson" (later renamed "The Wrong Way Home with Akmal, Cal, and Ed"). This program was broadcast on Nova FM across multiple major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.

Prior to this role, she made regular guest appearances on the Triple M show "Get This." In 2009, Wilson shifted gears and co-hosted "Mornings on Nova 100" in Melbourne alongside Dylan Lewis, but she ultimately decided to resign from her position at Nova 100 in November 2009.

Who is Cal Wilson Husband, Chris Woods?

Cal Wilson was a married woman who wed her husband, Chris Woods , in 2008, and they were blessed with a son Digby (born in 2009). By profession, Chris Woods is a musician and a sound engineer. The family resided in Sunshine, a suburb of Melbourne, and enjoyed their time together until the unfortunate passing of Cal Wilson on October 11, 2023.

Cal Wilson Death Cause

Cal Wilson's death cause was a rare and aggressive form of cancer . When news of her death was announced, the cause was initially described as a "short illness". She passed away on October 11, 2023, merely six days after celebrating her 53rd birthday. She died at 53. Her passing occurred at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney, where she had been hospitalized for two weeks leading up to her death. Her health had deteriorated after collapsing on the set of "The Great Australian Bake Off." At the time of this report, the family was planning his final funeral arrangement and the details are yet to be finalized. 

Her management company Token Artists announced the sad news, sharing 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". "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." 

Fellow writer and illustrator Megan Herbert said people didn’t need to have known Wilson personally to know she was the "absolute best of people". "I can’t even comprehend this right now. The most divine, radiant person who I have watched, admired, and worked alongside. This is heartbreaking. So much love to her husband, son, and family. This is a very very sad day" said designer Shaynna Blaze. "Vale beautiful friend. I’m a better person for knowing you. Thank you for giving the world your joy. My love goes out to all Cal’s amazing family and wonderful friends," said TV and radio host Dylan Lewis.  

Cal Wilson Net Worth In 2023

Cal Wilson was a renowned stand-up comedian, author, and versatile radio and television presenter. Her estimated net worth at the time of her passing stood at $5 million, with an annual income ranging between $500,000 and $1 million. Her primary sources of wealth stemmed from her successful career as a stand-up comedian, and author, and her contributions to the realms of radio and television. She lived life to the fullest before her untimely demise, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. 

Facts About Cal Wilson

Cal wilson was not the only child of her parents.

Cal Wilson did not grow up as the only child of her parents, Graeme and Barbara. She shared her upbringing with her two brothers, Richard and Sean, who pursued careers in civil engineering and physiotherapy, respectively. This familial background offered her a well-rounded perspective and support network as she embarked on her own journey in the world of comedy and entertainment.

Wison wrote two children's books

In addition to her accomplishments in comedy and entertainment, Cal Wilson showcased her versatile talents as an author by penning two engaging children's books: "George And The Great Bum Stampede" and "George And The Great Brain Swappery." These imaginative and playful titles delve into the world of young readers, bringing to life entertaining adventures that captivate the imagination and offer a delightful reading experience for children. 

She was a loving mom to her son

Cal Wilson, along with her husband, Chris Woods, is blessed with a son named Digby. Digby,14, was born in the year 2009. She embraced the role of a loving and dedicated mother, and the family shared a content and joy-filled life together before the untimely passing of Cal Wilson. Cal Wilson is survived by her husband, Chris Woods, and their son, Digby. 

She had appeared on several Australian comedy shows

Throughout her career, Wilson had appeared on the Australian comedy shows SkitHOUSE, Rove Live, Thank God You're Here, Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, The Project, Celebrity Name Game, Show Me the Movie!, Would I Lie to You? Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention? and Hughesy, We Have a Problem, and the New Zealand TV show 7 days. In mid-2023, she was featured in SBS's Who the Bloody Hell Are You? (Season 1, Episode 2).  

• New Zealander Stand-Up Comedian
• The Great Australian Bake Off
• University of Canterbury
• Chris Woods

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Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.”

Danny Moloshok

FILE - Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson, right, of the band Heart perform as Heart is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Nokia Theatre on Thursday, April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring and fall for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.”

“I’ve been strengthening. I’ve got my trainer,” she says. “You go one day at a time and you strengthen one workout session at a time. It’s a lot of work, but it’s the only job I know how to do.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who gave us classic tracks like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Alone” will be playing all the hits, some tracks from of their solo albums — like Ann Wilson's “Miss One and Only” and Nancy Wilson's “Love Mistake” — and a new song called “Roll the Dice.”

“I like to say we have really good problems because the problem we have is to choose between a bunch of different, really cool songs that people love already,” says Nancy Wilson.

Like “Barracuda,” a sonic burst which first appeared on the band’s second album, “Little Queen” and is one of the band’s most memorable songs.

“You can’t mess with ‘Barracuda.’ It’s just the way it is. It is great. You get on the horse and you ride. It’s a galloping steed of a ride to go on. And for everybody, including the band."

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The tour kicks off Saturday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, and will hit cities including Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, as well as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. International dates include stops in London, Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm, Montreal and Glasgow.

The band's Royal Flush Tour will have Cheap Trick as the opening act for many stops, but Def Leppard and Journey will join for three stadium dates in Cleveland, Toronto and Boston this summer.

Ann and Nancy Wilson will be filled out by Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals) and Sean T. Lane (drums).

The tour is the first in several years for Heart, which was rocked by a body blow in 2016 when Ann Wilson’s husband was arrested for assaulting Nancy’s 16-year-old twin sons. Nancy Wilson says that's all in the past.

“We can take any kind of turbulence, me and Ann, and we’ve always been OK together,” she says. “We’re still steering the ship and happy to do it together. So we’re tight.”

The new tour will take them to Canada, which was warm to the band when they were starting out as what Nancy Wilson calls “a couple of chicks from Seattle.” She recalls Vancouver embracing Heart, and touring in one van across Canada in the dead of winter on two lane highways.

The Wilson sisters broke rock's glass ceiling in the '70s and Nancy Wilson says they only had male influences to look to, like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Moody Blues.

Now she says she looks out and loves seeing generations of female rockers. “You have boygenius and you have Billie Eilish and you have Olivia Rodrigo and so many amazing women — Maggie Rogers and Sheryl Crow, who calls us her big influence. And then Billie Eilish might have Sheryl Crow as her influence. So it’s a really nice legacy to pass along. I like to say we’re the OG — the original gangsters — of women and rock.”

Heart has made it into the Rock Hall, won Grammys, sold millions of albums and rocked hundreds of thousands of fans but Nancy Wilson has one place she'd still like to shine.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of their debut album, “Dreamboat Annie,” which was the same year that “Saturday Night Live” started. “So we’re actually kind of putting it out there — Heart never played on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ But what about the 50th birthday party with Heart?”

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Kiwi-born comedian Cal Wilson has died in Sydney at the age of 53. Wilson’s management confirmed the news to  news.com.au  that the popular stand-up and TV personality, originally from Christchurch passed away surrounded by family and friends at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.  

“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,” the statement by Token Artists read.  

“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.  

“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.”  

Wilson became a fixture on the Australian comedy circuit, performing in the Melbourne Comedy Festival a total of 14 times. She eventually became a member of its board.  

On screen, she appeared on Australian show  Have You Been Paying Attention?  and co-hosted The Great Australian Bake-Off which was in production at the time of Wilson’s first admission to hospital.  

The statement from Wilson’s management also noted the star’s efforts to keep her community engaged during Australia’s Covid-19 lockdowns and announced that a portrait of Wilson has won an Archibald Prize.  

“In lockdown, Cal 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,” Token Artists’ statement continued.  

According to  news.com.au  Wilson is survived by her husband, Chris, and son, Digby.  

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Jim Harbaugh Lives in an Recreational Vehicle Down by the Ocean

• Author: Stephen Douglas

In this story:

JIm Harbaugh really likes The Rockford Files . So much so that he is currently living in an RV on a California beach just like Jim Rockford did in the 1970's television series. If only Jim Rockford had considered a career change before he was falsely imprisoned at San Quentin.

Harbaugh recently took a Los Angeles Chargers camera crew on a tour of his Quantum. which has been parked in Huntington Beach for the last two months. Between the location and the lack of distractions, Harbaugh appears to be loving life, watching The Rockford Files (and Joe Dirt ?) every night before his early bedtime.

New Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman also lives in the same RV park, but in a much bigger 2019 Newmar VENTANA. Here's Roman's very diplomatic description of Harbaugh's rig: “I’ve been in here. Very cozy. I mean, you can drive this down the road and park it pretty much anywhere. So there’s a lot of advantages to having one this size."

every guy watching this just said “hell yeah” pic.twitter.com/Ir7Xpyv0VC — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 16, 2024

It must have taken some serious willpower not to call it "cute." Of course, camper life isn't all glamour, even in a VENTANA, no matter how many American flags are flying proudly. Because wherever you're parked, someone has to take care of business. Here's Harbuagh on what sounds like a surprisingly proud moment in his life:

"Nothing will make you feel more like a dad than when you dispose of the waste. That was a moment. Seminal moment for me. Felt like a real dad."

Unfortunately for everyone, Harbaugh's family has now arrived in California, so he has to move back into a house that doesn't have wheels. We'll see how long that lasts before Jim Rockford and the cool ocean breeze comes calling for Harbaugh.

You can watch the full tour of Harbaugh and Roman's RV's on YouTube .

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A Classical & Christ-Centered Education

Classical Christian Education

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In all its levels, programs, and teaching, Logos School seeks to: Teach all subjects as parts of an integrated whole with the Scriptures at the center (II Timothy 3:16-17); Provide a clear model of the biblical Christian life through our staff and board (Matthew 22:37-40); Encourage every student to begin and develop his relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 19:13-15).

In all its levels, programs, and teaching, Logos School seeks to: Emphasize grammar, logic, and rhetoric in all subjects (see definitions below); Encourage every student to develop a love for learning and live up to his academic potential; Provide an orderly atmosphere conducive to the attainment of the above goals.

Grammar : The fundamental rules of each subject. Logic : The ordered relationship of particulars in each subject. Rhetoric : How the grammar and logic of each subject may be clearly expressed.

What Do We Mean by Classical?

In the 1940’s the British author, Dorothy Sayers, wrote an essay titled The Lost Tools of Learning . In it she not only calls for a return to the application of the seven liberal arts of ancient education, the first three being the “Trivium” – grammar, logic, rhetoric, she also combines three stages of children’s development to the Trivium. Specifically, she matches what she calls the “Poll-parrot” stage with grammar, “Pert” with logic, and “Poetic” with rhetoric (see The Lost Tools Chart ). At Logos, the founding board members were intrigued with this idea of applying a classical education in a Christian context. Doug Wilson, a founding board member explained the classical method further in his book, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning. Logos School has been committed to implementing this form of education since the school’s inception.