Cal Wilson

Christchurch-born Cal Wilson began her career as an actor, but was best known for her comedy. The co-founder of world champion theatresports team The Court Jesters, she shared the first Billy T comedy award in 1997. Wilson made many TV appearances on both sides of the Tasman (Pulp Comedy, co-hosting The Great Australian Bake Off). Before moving to Australia in 2003, she wrote for TV hit Willy Nilly, acted in film Orphans and Angels and co-presented youth show The Drum. In 2019 she was one of two Kiwi comedians invited to perform on Netflix stand-up series Comedians of the World. Cal Wilson died on 11 October 2023, at age 53.

Cal Wilson was one of the first Kiwi women I saw on TV regularly being funny . . . I feel lucky that I got to know her. Funny, supportive, kind, a lasting legacy. Comedian Melanie Bracewell pays tribute to Cal Wilson, Stuff website, 11 October 2023