No one knows the Canadian entertainment landscape quite like Entertainment Tonight Canada’s leading trio of hosts Cheryl Hickey, Rick Campanelli and Roz Weston.
Hickey was bitten by the media bug when she was 16 while working for a local cable station. She worked in various broadcast newsrooms and became host of ET Canada in 2005. Most Canadians know Campanelli from his MuchMusic VJ days, when he became famous as “Rick the Temp” after winning the music channel's summer intern contest. Weston is a relatively new addition to ET Canada, having moved from an internship with Howard Stern to a late-night talk show and entertainment program on the now-defunct Toronto 1. He's also a DJ on Toronto radio station KiSS 92.5.
Hickey, Campanelli and Weston might have vastly different personalities, as you’ll see in their answers below, but they share a passion for celebrity and entertainment news. For the month of October, they took the show live, appearing in Vancouver this week at Jack Poole Plaza.
CHERYL HICKEY
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being with my family - there are almost 20 of us!
What is your greatest fear?
I am a worrier... I have lots of them. LOL!
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I worry too much. See answer number 2!
What is your greatest extravagance?
Face creams, potions and lotions!
On what occasion do you lie?
Honestly, I try not to, but on occasion I have resorted to using little white lies to spare feelings.
What drew you to your profession?
Basically, I love to talk! I am a naturally curious person who has always asked a lot of questions.
What is the one thing you'd change about your industry?
A variety of healthy body types being showcased in front of the camera rather than just the skinny model.
When and where were you happiest?
Last Thanksgiving when my entire family was at our house. I love having the house jam packed and with kids running everywhere!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My close relationship with my wonderful family and career I am passionate about.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom and dad. They put the important things first, and always keep things in perspective. Our family comes first and that has always worked for us.
How would you like to die?
Happy.
RICK CAMPANELLI
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Living life the way I want to live it and doing what I want to do when I want to do it.
What is your greatest fear?
The unknown.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being overly friendly at times.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My suits.
On what occasion do you lie?
I never lie... any more... well, I try not to... next question?
What drew you to your profession?
I fell into my job. Being the youngest in a six person family, I grew up in an environment that was always filled with music.
What is the one thing you would change about your profession?
The money/contracts are getting out of hand and quite greedy, in a world where there are people dying from being malnourished.
When and where were you happiest?
I am always the happiest - that's what life is all about. It has to be because we only 'live' once.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having a child and the children I hope to have in the future.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My heroes are my parents and my older siblings - they showed me the way.
How would you like to die?
As a very old man in an Italian villa filled with my loving family.
ROZ WESTON
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
White wine with ice. Having my feet tickled. Choosing to not shower on a Saturday. My girlfriend not minding when I need to fall asleep with the TV on.
What is your greatest fear?
Flipsies. When I was a kid a friend convinced me that 'reverse joints' was an actual 'thing'. As in one day you could wake up and your wrists, elbows and knees would all bend the opposite way - he said it was called Flipsies. I've come to realize that Flipsies isn't a real condition, but the thought of it still freaks the hell out of me. Oh, and failure. I'm terrified of failure... And public speaking.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
That for so many years I believed Flipsies was a real affliction.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I live pretty small. But I would say that once I got to a point in life where I no longer had to live off of Cup-O-Noodles I refused to bargain shop. Even things like apples or salsa - I always buy full price groceries. I don't really spend money on anything else - I'm not cheap, but I just don't really buy things. I pay less than $40 for a haircut, and when my hairdresser went on mat-leave, she showed me how to cut my own hair so I didn't have to go to anyone else.
On what occasion do you lie?
I'm a very good liar, although I try not to.
What drew you to your profession?
Certainly not the attention. I have unbelievable stage fright. Always have. But on the flip side, I'm an extreme perfectionist and have a desire to tell stories, both my own and other peoples. I'd say the connection with the audience. There's no better feeling than having someone say you've made their crap day a little bit better.
What is the one thing you would change about your industry?
Puns.
When and where were you happiest?
At one time I would have said on the road. I was traveling so much that I felt more comfortable alone in a foreign hotel in a foreign city than I did at home. Now, I count every second that I'm away from my kid. Traveling is no longer a perk of the job, it’s the thing that takes me out of the place I'm happiest... at home eating tacos and burgers with a 2 1/2 year old.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Living as a fully functional adult who has never held a driver’s license.
Who are your heroes in real life?
I've always felt that if you surround yourself with smart, compassionate, strong women, you'll be just fine. From my mom, to my girlfriend and any woman who has kept a family together through every hell that life throws at you. They're my heroes.
How would you like to die?
In a place with no walls. Surrounded by family, at an age that won't leave my daughter with 'father issues.' However, I guess the answer I'd like to have on the record is 'not murdered.'
What other notable Canadians would you like to see answer these 11 questions? Are you interested in taking part? Contact us with your suggestions.