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Samuel Johnson maintains acting ban to focus on cancer charity

Gold Logie winner Samuel Johnson quit acting to focus on raising funds to help fight cancer. But he admits acting offers are still coming in, so is he about to be tempted back in front of the camera?

Johnson says he can’t see a return to acting anytime soon. Picture: Mike Burton
Johnson says he can’t see a return to acting anytime soon. Picture: Mike Burton

Gold Logie winner Samuel Johnson will maintain his self-imposed retirement from acting to focus on fundraising for the fight against cancer.

Johnson, who won the television industry’s top prize for his portrayal of music guru Molly Meldrum, told Confidential: “A couple of offers to act have come through, and if it’s right for the charity, I’ll go there.

“But there has to be a significant upside for the charity for me to entertain the idea of acting.

“My community work is very time intensive and doesn’t really allow much space for shooting a TV drama or whatnot. I can’t see it happening, but never say never.”

Samuel Johnson in his Avan motorhome at the 2020 Caravan Camping Supershow in Melbourne on Sunday.
Samuel Johnson in his Avan motorhome at the 2020 Caravan Camping Supershow in Melbourne on Sunday.
Johnson says he can’t see a return to acting anytime soon. Picture: AAP
Johnson says he can’t see a return to acting anytime soon. Picture: AAP
Samuel Johnson and Molly Meldrum. Picture: Andrew Tauber
Samuel Johnson and Molly Meldrum. Picture: Andrew Tauber

He is visiting primary schools, high schools, homes, workplaces, hospitals, pop up events, and politicians to raise money, and awareness, for the cause.

“This is a next level community engagement strategy and I’m stopping at nothing to provide our people with the best possible treatments,” he said.

“People think it must be taxing, dealing with the fight against cancer everyday. But it’s inspiring.

“I invite the pain, I encourage people to bring me their tears, and bring me their angst. It motivates me to turn that into something positive and fight even harder.”

MORE CONFIDENTIAL

Johnson formed the Love Your Sister charity while his sister, Connie, battled cancer. She died in 2017.

“I’m constantly running into people who knew things about her that I had no idea about, so the mystery continues to unravel,” he said.

“She was so much more than a sister. That so many people knew her in ways I didn’t, is a delight.”

loveyoursister.org

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/samuel-johnson-maintains-acting-ban-to-focus-on-cancer-charity/news-story/3d82456b8bb448e288af7a1463b49746