Sam Wood Parents: Meet Andrew and Wendy Wood, the Family Behind the Former Bachelor Star

Former The Bachelor Australia star Sam Wood has returned to national headlines following his arrest on domestic violence charges in Queensland, with his father, Andrew Wood, reportedly travelling from Tasmania to support him during a court hearing on October 8, 2026. The former reality television personality appeared at Maroochydore Magistrates Court, where his application for bail was refused.

The latest developments have renewed interest in Wood’s family background, particularly his relationship with his parents, Andrew Wood and the late Wendy Wood. Long before becoming a television personality and fitness entrepreneur, Sam experienced a difficult childhood marked by his mother’s death from cancer when he was just 15.

His father’s decision to step away from his business and raise three children after the tragedy became an important chapter in the family’s history. Wood has previously spoken about how those experiences influenced his understanding of parenting, responsibility and family relationships.

Who Are Sam Wood’s Parents?

Sam Wood’s parents are Andrew Wood and Wendy Wood, who raised their family in Tasmania.

Andrew worked in the hospitality and catering industry, operating a business that required long working hours. Wendy previously worked as a bank teller before becoming a full-time mother.

The couple had three children: Sam, Hannah and Alex.

Their family lived in West Hobart, where Sam spent much of his childhood. His upbringing was relatively ordinary until his mother’s cancer diagnosis changed the family’s circumstances.

Wood has described his childhood as reflecting a traditional family arrangement, with his father concentrating on earning money while his mother handled most daily parenting responsibilities.

This arrangement changed dramatically following Wendy’s death, leaving Andrew responsible for raising three children while dealing with his own grief.

Who Is Andrew Wood, Sam Wood’s Father?

Andrew Wood is a former Tasmanian hospitality businessman who spent much of his working life in the catering industry.

During Sam’s early years, Andrew operated his own business and worked demanding hours to support the family.

His career meant he was often away from home, leaving Wendy responsible for much of the children’s daily care.

However, after Wendy died, Andrew made a major decision that changed the family’s life.

He sold his catering business and became a stay-at-home father for approximately two and a half years.

The transition was challenging because he had previously spent much of his time concentrating on work.

Sam has spoken about how his father initially struggled with ordinary parenting responsibilities, including understanding the children’s routines and preferences.

Over time, Andrew developed a closer relationship with his children and became more involved in their lives.

The experience also changed the way Sam viewed his father, allowing him to recognize a more affectionate and emotionally available side of his personality.

What Happened to Sam Wood’s Mother Wendy Wood?

Wendy Wood was a former bank teller and devoted mother who died from cancer when Sam was 15 years old.

She was diagnosed with the disease when Sam was approximately 13.

Over the following two years, Wendy underwent chemotherapy while her family hoped she would recover.

Sam has previously explained that he struggled to understand the possibility of losing his mother, even while she was undergoing treatment.

Her death became one of the most difficult experiences of his childhood.

The family faced further heartbreak when Wendy’s brother died shortly afterward, followed by Sam’s grandmother several months later.

These losses occurred during a relatively short period, making an already difficult time even more painful.

Wendy’s death left a lasting impression on Sam, who has continued speaking about her influence on his life.

Her memory has also remained an important part of the family he later built with his wife, Snezana Wood.

How Did Wendy Wood’s Death Change Sam’s Childhood?

Losing his mother during adolescence had a significant impact on Sam Wood’s family life.

At the time, his younger siblings were also children. Hannah was approximately 12, while Alex was around eight or nine.

Andrew suddenly became responsible for managing the household without the support of his wife.

For Sam, the change meant adjusting to a different family structure while dealing with grief.

He has recalled that his father was initially strict and followed traditional parenting methods.

However, as Andrew spent more time at home, the children began seeing another side of him.

The experience strengthened their relationship and helped Sam develop a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities involved in raising children.

Andrew eventually returned to work after the family experienced financial difficulties.

Despite those challenges, the period he spent caring for his children became an important turning point in their relationship.

Andrew Wood Supports Son Sam During Queensland Court Hearing

Andrew Wood reportedly travelled from Tasmania to Queensland for his son’s court proceedings.

On October 8, 2026, Andrew attended Maroochydore Magistrates Court alongside members of Sam’s legal team.

The court reportedly heard that Andrew had provided an affidavit as part of his son’s application for bail.

Sam, 46, appeared by video link after being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged incident in Noosa.

His lawyer argued that he had no previous criminal convictions and indicated that the defence may raise a self-defence argument.

The prosecution opposed bail, referring to the seriousness of the allegations and concerns about the complainant’s safety.

Acting magistrate Janelle Boegheim reportedly refused the application, and the matter was adjourned until November 23, 2026.

Wood intends to contest the charges, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Andrew’s reported attendance and affidavit demonstrate his involvement in the proceedings but do not establish any conclusion about the allegations.

How Did Andrew Wood Influence Sam’s Career?

Sam Wood has previously credited his father with teaching him the importance of hard work and financial responsibility.

Growing up around a family business exposed him to the demands of running a company.

One childhood experience involved Sam asking his father for pocket money.

Rather than simply giving him money, Andrew arranged for him to work washing dishes in a pub kitchen.

The experience introduced Sam to earning his own income and understanding the value of work.

These lessons became relevant later when he entered the fitness industry and established his own business.

After working as a personal trainer, Sam developed 28 by Sam Wood, a digital fitness program offering home workouts and nutrition guidance.

The business eventually became a major commercial success, with its acquisition in 2022 reportedly valued at approximately $71 million.

Although Sam built his professional career independently, his father’s approach to work and responsibility formed part of his early upbringing.

How Does Sam Wood Remember His Late Mother?

Sam has found personal ways to keep Wendy Wood’s memory alive.

His daughter Willow, born in 2017, was given the middle name Wendy in honour of her grandmother.

Another daughter, Charlie, was born on Wendy’s birthday in July 2019.

These family connections carry special significance because Wendy died long before Sam became a father.

Wood has previously spoken about how his mother’s influence continued despite her absence from much of his adult life.

His experiences also influenced how he approached raising children, particularly his desire to be actively involved in their everyday lives.

Sam and Snezana have three daughters together, Willow, Charlie and Harper. Their blended family also includes Snezana’s eldest daughter, Eve, from a previous relationship.

The use of Wendy’s name within the family reflects the importance Sam has placed on preserving memories of his mother.

Did Sam Wood’s Father Appear on The Bachelor Australia?

Andrew Wood appeared during the finale of the third season of The Bachelor Australia in 2015.

The appearance gave viewers an opportunity to learn more about Sam’s family background.

During the episode, Andrew met Snezana Markoski, who would eventually become Sam’s wife.

Their meeting included conversations about family and the influence of Sam’s late mother.

Andrew’s appearance also demonstrated his continued involvement in his son’s life.

When Sam was preparing to appear on the reality dating program, his father reportedly encouraged him to remain himself rather than change his personality for television.

Sam ultimately chose Snezana during the season finale.

The couple married in Byron Bay in 2018 and went on to build a family together.

Where Are Sam Wood’s Parents Now?

Andrew Wood remains connected to Tasmania, where he spent much of his professional and family life.

His reported journey to Queensland for Sam’s court appearance has brought him back into the public spotlight.

Wendy Wood died when Sam was a teenager, but her memory remains closely connected to the family through personal stories and the names of her grandchildren.

The Wood family’s history includes professional success, personal loss and the challenges of raising children after the death of a parent.

For Sam, those experiences formed an important part of his upbringing long before he became known through The Bachelor Australia.

As his current legal proceedings continue, Andrew’s involvement has again drawn attention to the relationship between father and son.

The case remains before the courts, and any determination concerning the criminal allegations will depend on the legal process.