Sam Pang is still processing what it means to be the most popular person on Australian television. In August, he won the Gold Logie, the TV Week Logie Awards' top honour, and now he is returning for a third season of his variety show Sam Pang Tonight.
Pang described the experience as "crazy and weird and surreal." He was surprised when his name was called, noting "it could just as easily have been anyone else." The comedian said winning made his decision not to drink on the night feel worthwhile. "That would have been a big sacrifice to make: to keep yourself mildly tidy on the off-chance [you win], and then not have to say anything," he said.
Pang did not drink during the three years he hosted the Logies, but as a guest he enjoyed a different approach. "I absolutely gave it a genuine crack -- I'd make friends with the waiter: 'Help me out here, it's a long night,'" he said.
The Gold Logie win carried deeper significance for Pang. He recalled growing up watching TV and the Logies but never dreaming that a kid who looked like him -- of Chinese descent -- might one day be part of the industry, let alone win its highest award.