Molly hijacks stunned Sam’s Gold Logie speech

The New Daily
Apr 24, 2017, updated Apr 24, 2017

There were two Gold Logie winners at the annual television awards on Sunday night as actor Samuel Johnson graciously shared the stage with the man he depicted on screen, Molly Meldrum.

Johnson spoke of his “very colourful, very confused” childhood as he accepted the trophy for his work in the Seven Network mini-series Molly, before inviting the 74-year-old to join him on the podium.

“My family is all based out of a house in Preston. Amongst ourselves we call it the Prestonian institute for the temporary defeated. I know you are watching in Preston, not tonight,” the 38-year-old actor said at the ceremony.

Meldrum was quick to jump in and berate Johnson, who he also counts as a close friend, for overusing the words “um” and “err”, prompting much laughter from the audience.

“I found my home here in the arts,” Johnson continued. “A place that celebrated difference, a place that encouraged me to be truthful, to work harder, to pursue excellence.

“I did none of that,” he joked, before throwing his speech notes to the side and giving Molly the microphone.

Meldrum, whose health has been deteriorating since he suffered a fall in 2011, proceeded to take up the rest of Johnson’s time in the sun, sharing expletive-laden anecdotes about their relationship.

But he managed to give a little bit of the spotlight back to Johnson when he presented the emotional actor with a gold cowboy hat.

“I know it’s very hard to play an old drama queen like myself, and you did a great job,” Meldrum said,

“So on behalf of the drama queen of Australia, I would like to crown you also with my gold hat. Well done.”

Johnson beat The Project host Waleed Aly, Family Feud host Grant Denyer, Doctor Doctor star Rodger Corser and Love Child actress Jessica Marais to the coveted award.

Johnson had earlier delivered an emotional speech as he accepted the best actor award, dedicating it to his sister Connie who is dying of cancer.

Reacting to my amazing brother Sam winning a GOLD LOGIE!!! #sam4gold #Nowisawesome #LYS #BigHeartLove pic.twitter.com/tH9vnubHbu

— loveyoursister (@loveyoursister) April 23, 2017

The 38-year-old actor had come out publicly to speak about his sister’s battle, dedicating much of his time to raise money for cancer research.

“My sister is succumbing finally to the perils of cancer after a three decade-long tussle,” Johnson said.

“Rather than rolling over, she’s going out blazing with an attempted world record for the longest line of coins, absurdly. She’s putting together a row of coins in the shape of a love heart.”

Johnson and Connie started the charity Love Your Sister, which is dedicated to raising awareness and money for breast cancer research, and he asked people to donate to support the cause.

Casey Donovan shines

Former Australian Idol winner and recent I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! winner Casey Donovan delivered a knockout performance that earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.

The 28-year-old performed a rousing rendition of Heroes by David Bowie for the show’s In Memoriam segment, with social media users hailing her for a “flawless” performance.

Fellow Australian Idol alum Jesica Mauboy was also praised for her energetic performance.

What a touching tribute to Reg Grundy and other friends, colleagues and idols we have recently lost. ❤️ #TVWeekLogies pic.twitter.com/jQ2igksqtr

— Channel9 (@Channel9) April 23, 2017

‘Why are you here?’

In the night’s most awkward pairing, Lorrae Desmond, the first female Gold Logie winner ever, presented alongside comedian Sam Pang.

Desmond began their segment by asking Pang: “May I say, why are you here?”

She then went on to say, “Can you introduce me to Jessica Marais? … Oh, I love her. I wish I was presenting with her.”

Pang’s response said it all: “Me too.”

Lorrae Desmond was a revered performer until the moment she walked onto the #Logies stage

— Edy Syquer (@SyqueTIONAL) April 23, 2017

Kerri-Anne’s touching tribute

Meanwhile, long-time Australian daytime TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley became the third woman to be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, after 50 years on TV.

The honour followed an emotional year for Kennerley. Her husband John broke his neck in a fall while on holidays last year in Coffs Harbour. He returned home at the end of last year after a lengthy stay in hospital.

John supported his wife at the awards from a wheelchair as the pair celebrated their 31st Logie awards together.

“The person who shares this accolade more than anyone else is my husband, John,” she said.

“I can honestly say I would give away 50 years of this career and all those incredible experiences and anything else I could think of just to have you standing right here by my side holding my hand.”