Heartbreaking reason Samuel Johnson hasn't dated in 13 years

Photo: Channel Ten
Samuel Johnson says he's 'too scared' to date. Photo: Channel Ten

Gold Logie winner and cancer crusader Samuel Johnson has revealed why he’s been “too scared” to date for over a decade.

Opening up in an exclusive interview with WHO magazine, the TV personality said his life currently is “perfect” and he doesn’t feel the need to change it.

“I’ve chased the demons away for now,” Samuel told the publication, but admitted the heartbreaking reason he remains single.

“I’ve been too scared to be in another relationship since my girlfriend died 13 years ago,” he added.

In early 2006, his former girlfriend Lainie Woodlands took her own life. She was 20-years-old at the time.

actor samuel johnson appears on the project
The former actor has lost three people to suicide. Photo: Channel Ten

He opened up about Lainie for the first time in 2015, when he spoke about “the most beautiful creature in the world” on Nova radio's Meshel Laurie's Nitty Gritty Committee podcast.

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“She was a bit too amazing though, and I couldn't quite handle it. I kind of bailed on her and then she killed herself, which was charming, so considerate.”

Sadly Samuel was already very familiar with the tragedy of suicide. His mother took her life before he was one year old, and another close female friend did the same shortly before Lainie.

He admitted losing Lainie was what pushed him into a spiral, and saw him turn to drugs and alcohol. One he has thankfully been able to come out of the other side from.

Samuel Johnson married the cancer problem

After quitting acting three years to focus on raising money for cancer research, the Logie winner revealed he also pushed aside personal pursuits such as romance and fatherhood.

In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle in April, Samuel said he’s not in any hurry to prioritise these and is content with the way his life’s panning out.

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“I don’t know, I fell in love with the cancer problem and that’s what I’m married to,” he said.

“It’s become my sole focus and I do it for me as well as others, it’s a two-way street.”

Photo: Facebook/love your sister
Photo: Facebook/love your sister

In 2016 the TV star announced he was quitting acting to dedicate his energy towards raising $10 million for cancer research.

The following year his sister Connie died following a long and hard battle with cancer.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

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