The actor behind Mali Hudson reveals personal health diagnosis and powerful message for fans

A Quiet Struggle Brought Into the Light

Home and Away actor Kyle Shilling has opened up about a private health battle that has sparked heartfelt responses from fans across Australia and beyond. Known for his portrayal of Mali Hudson, Shilling recently shared that he’s been diagnosed with alopecia—a condition that causes hair loss, including on the face and neck.

The emotional revelation came in a now-expired Instagram Story, where Shilling directly addressed viewer comments that had critiqued his beard line on the show. What seemed like a simple cosmetic issue was, in fact, a hidden health challenge he’s been quietly managing behind the scenes.

“Not too long ago, I was diagnosed with alopecia on the beard region, mainly my neck,” he wrote. “It’s a hair loss disease which can be caused by stress. The makeup team at Home and Away do the best they can to cover up this ‘insecurity’ I now have.”

Shilling added, “It should grow back eventually, but for now—it is what it is.”

Not Seeking Pity—Just Understanding

Rather than ask for sympathy, the actor explained that his goal was awareness. He wanted fans and critics alike to understand what alopecia is and how it affects people beyond what’s visible.

“I’m simply shedding light on alopecia so people have an understanding about it.”

In a heartfelt follow-up, Shilling revealed that his inbox was flooded with messages of support, especially from people who have also struggled with the condition.

“Majority [of the messages] are from people who’ve gone through worse. Big love to you all.”

His takeaway for fans? Don’t judge appearances without knowing the story.

“This is a reminder not to openly say something about someone’s appearance. You may not know the reason behind it.”

Representation and Resilience

Since joining the Home and Away cast, Shilling has been vocal about the importance of representation—particularly as an Indigenous Australian actor. His earlier storyline with Rose Delaney touched on police mistrust in Indigenous communities, a moment he called “important to show on screen.”

Now, he’s bringing the same honesty and strength to his off-screen reality, reminding viewers that even fictional heroes have real-life challenges.