A poignant final video of comedian Cal Wilson has emerged, as her cause of death at 53 was confirmed.

New Zealand-born Wilson, who was known for numerous roles on Australian TV, died on Wednesday.

“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,” her management, Token Artists, said.

On Thursday, Token Artists confirmed that Wilson had died of a “rare and aggressive form of cancer”. She was in hospital for four weeks leading up to her death, her managers said.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that the Melbourne-based star she was filming The Great Australian Bake Off in Sydney when she had to be taken to hospital. It said she had previously been treated for lower back pain.

Token denied reports Wilson had collapsed on set.

The Christchurch-born comedian had kept her health issues private, with only family and a handful of close friends aware of it before Wednesday.

“Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community,” her management said on Wednesday.

Wilson had been a prolific user of social media until recent months. On Thursday, one of her final TikTok videos emerged, showing her playing with her cats.

It shows the laughing Wilson as she shares footage of Barnacle, one of her cats, jumping on to her back to collect a snack.

Foxtel was among those to pay tribute to the star on Wednesday. It produces Bake Off, where Wilson was a co-host.

“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,” Foxtel group general manager Wendy Moore said.

“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.”

Wilson was well known for her work in NZ and Australia. She also 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 British comedy quiz show QI hosted by British actor and writer Stephen Fry.

Fans were still leaving tributes for Wilson on social media on Thursday.

“I don’t even know what to say. Cannot believe this. Sending my condolences to all her loved ones,” wrote one.

“Man, this sucks so much. May her memory be a blessing. Such a tragic loss. Such a beautiful legacy,” wrote another.

While a third said: “An absolute inspiration for all women and aspiring women comedians. Watching you on TV as a kid planted the seeds of a dream and the courage to know I could follow it. Thank you Cal.”

Fellow comedians and performers paid tribute on her Instagram page.

Actor and comedian 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.

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 teenage son Digby. Her family has asked for privacy.