Gold Logie winning actor and charity founder Samuel Johnson, 43, is recovering in hospital in Melbourne after being hit by a car on Saturday night.

Samuel’s big sister Hilde Hinton broke the news on Monday night via the actor’s charity page Love Your Sister, which he co-founded with his late sister Connie in 2012, saying he had been involved in an accident while on his way to visit family on the weekend. She said he’s awake now, talking but still recovering, adding medical staff are in overdrive “taking care of his sore head”.

“I wish I didn’t have to tell you this,” she wrote. “Early Saturday night, Sam was on his way to visit family when he was accidentally hit by a car. Our ambos got him picked up and tucked away safely in hospital in record time. I followed them in.

“The fantastical medical staff are in overdrive taking care of his sore head. He’s awake and not too happy that he doesn’t have his pants – nobody loves a hospital gown. Hearing his voice is lovely, but can’t wait for hugs when it’s safe. I’ll keep you updated.”

Fans of Samuel’s were quick to wish the actor a speedy recovery, with one writing, “Sam, so sorry to hear of this accident. Rest up and let the doctors look after you. You’ll be back on your feet in no time. Much love to you and your amazing, beautiful family.”

Another added, “So sorry to hear this, hope he has a quick recovery. Just discovered Secret Life of Us on Netflix and [I’m] enjoying his cheekiness all over again.” While a third commented, “OMG my heart skipped a beat when I read the first sentence Hilde. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.”

Samuel’s big break came in 2001 at just 23 years old with a starring role as Evan Wylde in hit drama The Secret Life of Us. He’s also starred in popular series such as Rush, Underbelly and After the Deluge, but many Aussies will have particularly fond memories of Samuel as legendary star Molly Meldrum in 2016 miniseries Molly. Meanwhile, he recently enjoyed a brief stint on reality series Dancing With The Stars, which he went on to win.

Samuel has taken the past few years off from acting, following his sister’s death. Connie sadly passed away from terminal breast cancer in September 2017, at the age of just 40. However, in her final years, she joined her brother in launching the charity, and the duo set a goal of raising $10 million through a series of fundraising efforts — something Samuel has since accomplished following her death.