Samuel Johnson’s heartbreaking tribute on DWTS
Actor Samuel Johnson has revealed the person who inspired his dance performance on Dancing with the Stars Monday night.
Dancing to the Oscar winning-song Shallow from the movie A Star Is Born, Johnson and his dance partner Jorja Rae Freeman performed a rumba.
After his emotional performance, the Gold Logie winner shared his thoughts on his late former girlfriend Lainie Woodlands.
"I had a partner, her name was Lainie and she died from a sore heart," he told host Amanda Keller. "I've been thinking a lot because you told me to be romantic this week, that was the brief."
Johnson has previously spoken about losing Woodlands, who committed suicide in 2006 on the night he broke up with her.
"I haven't been able to be romantic since then, not really," he said. "So, I thought I'd just try and think of her during the song and maybe that'll make it beautiful."
Can we talk about THAT SPIN? #DWTSau pic.twitter.com/t8C4qPVukY
— Dancing With The Stars Australia (@DancingOn10) March 18, 2019
In a 2015 interview with Nitty Gritty Committee podcast, Johnson described Woodlands as “the most beautiful creature in the world”.
"She was a bit too amazing though, and I couldn't quite handle it," he said then. "I kind of bailed on her and then she killed herself."
On the DWTS stage, Johnson said, "When someone takes their own life, you know, you live forever without any of those questions getting answered, like why… And you have to come to terms with the fact that there’s no single answer.
"Anyone who's feeling icky... go and do something physical. We should all dance."
LOVE how @Sam_J_Johnson is never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve! Such a lovely, honest human #DWTSau
— Angie Redford (@angdownunder08) March 18, 2019
Another great performance by Sam!! #DWTSau pic.twitter.com/hzHYdJR6gD
— georgie (@_lifeofgeorgie) March 18, 2019
I was holding my breath the whole time! I love you Sam!!! #DWTSAU
— Lizzie K (@lizkoroneos) March 18, 2019
Earlier in the competition, the 41-year-old also dedicated a performance to his late sister Connie, who passed away from cancer in 2017.
"I had an extraordinary relationship with my sister over 40 years," said Johnson, who co-founded the Love Your Sister charity with Connie to support cancer research. "The biggest thing she taught me is that now is awesome and to insist on joy."
If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au.