Ah, MuchMusic! The beating heart of Canadian pop culture in the 90s and 2000s. It was more than just a channel; it was the cool older sibling we never had, telling us what was hot and what was not. But ever wonder what happened to those iconic VJs who used to be our guides through the world of music and mayhem? Buckle up, nostalgia lovers, as we dive into the lives of MuchMusic VJs and where they are now!
Steve Anthony
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Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
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Age Now: 63
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Years on MuchMusic: 1987-1995
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Post-Much Life: Steve transitioned to morning television, hosting CP24 Breakfast until his retirement in 2018. He's kept busy with public speaking and various media appearances.
Erica Ehm
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Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
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Age Now: 59
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Years on MuchMusic: 1984-1994
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Post-Much Life: Erica founded YummyMummyClub.ca, a digital space for modern mothers. She's also an author, playwright, and continues to influence in media and communications.
George Stroumboulopoulos
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 50
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Years on MuchMusic: 2000-2004
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Post-Much Life: George hosted "The Hour" (later "George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight") on CBC and has been involved in radio, Canadian music initiatives, and briefly hosted "Hockey Night in Canada."
Rick Campanelli
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Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
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Age Now: 52
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Years on MuchMusic: 1996-2005
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Post-Much Life: Rick joined ET Canada as a host and has been active in various charity efforts and public speaking engagements.
Devon Soltendieck
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Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
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Age Now: 39
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Years on MuchMusic: 2004-2010
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Post-Much Life: Devon transitioned to news broadcasting with roles at CP24 and has been involved in entertainment reporting.
Namugenyi Kiwanuka
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Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
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Age Now: 45
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Years on MuchMusic: 2000-2003
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Post-Much Life: Nam has been active as a journalist and broadcaster for TVO’s "The Agenda" and has contributed to CBC and other news outlets.
Sook-Yin Lee
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Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
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Age Now: 54
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Years on MuchMusic: 1995-2001
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Post-Much Life: Sook-Yin became a filmmaker, actress, and continued her broadcasting career with CBC’s "DNTO." She has appeared in indie films and continued her creative pursuits in arts and music.
Bradford How
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 48
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Years on MuchMusic: 2000-2005
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Post-Much Life: Bradford shifted to content production, focusing on music and lifestyle programming.
Jennifer Hollett
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Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
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Age Now: 45
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Years on MuchMusic: 1999-2003
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Post-Much Life: Jennifer pursued a career in digital strategy and became a political candidate. She's an advocate for digital rights and civic engagement.
Master T (Tony Young)
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Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
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Age Now: 60
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Years on MuchMusic: 1989-2001
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Post-Much Life: Master T has been involved in music production and mentoring, as well as hosting and producing various television and radio programs focused on urban music.
Nardwuar the Human Serviette
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Real Name: John Ruskin
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Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
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Age Now: 54
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Years on MuchMusic: 1999-2011
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Post-Much Life: Nardwuar continues his unique and energetic interviews with musicians and celebrities, known for his detailed and quirky questions. He remains a vibrant part of the Canadian music scene.
Bill Welychka
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Hometown: Belleville, Ontario
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Age Now: 52
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Years on MuchMusic: 1991-2004
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Post-Much Life: Bill transitioned to local television, becoming a morning show host and weather presenter at CKWS Television in Kingston. He continues to be a prominent figure in broadcasting within the community.
Monika Deol
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Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Age Now: 58
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Years on MuchMusic: 1988-1996
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Post-Much Life: After leaving MuchMusic, Monika pursued a career outside of television, eventually founding and running her own successful cosmetics line, Stellar Beauty, which is focused on inclusivity and diversity in beauty products.
Ed the Sock (Steven Kerzner)
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Creator: Steven Kerzner
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: N/A (character), 58 (creator)
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Years on MuchMusic: 1994-2008
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Post-Much Life: Ed the Sock, created by Steven Kerzner, has continued to be a cultural commentator and media critic. He hosts a variety of shows on his internet television station FU Network, discussing everything from politics to pop culture.
Daniel Richler
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 63
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Years on MuchMusic: 1987-1992
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Post-Much Life: Daniel moved into more serious journalism and authored books. He has produced and hosted various literary and documentary programs for CBC and other networks, continuing his influential work in Canadian media.
Amanda Walsh
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Hometown: Rigaud, Quebec
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Age Now: 41
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Years on MuchMusic: 2000-2004
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Post-Much Life: Amanda transitioned to acting after her stint at MuchMusic. She has appeared in numerous television series and films, including roles on CBS's The Big Bang Theory and the movie Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.
Matte Babel
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 42
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Years on MuchMusic: 2004-2009
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Post-Much Life: Matte has worked as a correspondent and host on various entertainment shows, including "Entertainment Tonight Canada" and "Open House Overhaul." He has also been involved in philanthropy and activism, particularly around environmental and social issues.
Sarah Taylor
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Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
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Age Now: 43
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Years on MuchMusic: 2002-2009
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Post-Much Life: After MuchMusic, Sarah shifted her focus to personal wellness and spirituality. She has been active in the wellness community, conducting workshops and sessions on mindfulness and personal development.
Tim Deegan
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Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
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Age Now: 41
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Years on MuchMusic: 2002-2013
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Post-Much Life: Tim moved into meteorology, working as a weather presenter for various Canadian broadcasting services. His ability to blend entertainment with informative weather forecasting has kept him in the public eye.
Devon Soltendieck
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Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
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Age Now: 39
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Years on MuchMusic: 2004-2010
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Post-Much Life: After MuchMusic, Devon transitioned into news broadcasting. He has been a reporter and anchor for CP24, covering significant events and stories across Canada.
Liz Trinnear
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Hometown: London, Ontario
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Age Now: 34
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Years on MuchMusic: 2008-2015
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Post-Much Life: Liz moved on to host "ETalk," a major Canadian entertainment news show. She has continued her role in the limelight, interviewing celebrities and covering major music and film events.
Leah Miller
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 40
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Years on MuchMusic: 2004-2009
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Post-Much Life: Leah continued in the limelight as the host of "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" and as a correspondent for "ET Canada." Her engaging presence has kept her a favorite in the Canadian entertainment industry.
Jesse Giddings
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Hometown: Langley, British Columbia
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Age Now: 37
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Years on MuchMusic: 2009-2011
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Post-Much Life: Jesse moved to the United States where he worked as a correspondent for E! News. He's also a photographer and a musician, showcasing his multi-talented skills in various creative fields.
Tyrone "T-RexXx" Edwards
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 40
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Years on MuchMusic: 2011-2013 (continued with the channel as it transitioned)
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Post-Much Life: Tyrone has remained a prominent figure in Canadian television, hosting "ETalk" and being involved in various cultural and community-based initiatives, particularly those focused on empowering youth.
Lauren Toyota
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Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
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Age Now: 39
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Years on MuchMusic: 2006-2011
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Post-Much Life: Lauren has become well-known as a vegan chef and influencer. She authored the bestselling cookbook "Hot for Food" and runs a popular YouTube channel and blog that focus on vegan cooking and lifestyle.
Alright, let's wrap this up like a finale at the VMAs—epic with a hint of nostalgia! MuchMusic didn’t just play tunes; it pumped out a whole lineup of stars into the wild. These former VJs? They’ve kept hustling, transforming from your everyday video jockeys to major movers and shakers across all sorts of flashy gigs. From spilling tea on the red carpet to cooking up vegan vittles that even meat-lovers side-eye with envy, they’re still grabbing the mic and our attention. Whether they're chatting up celebs, saving the planet, or just making us wish we could cook something other than instant noodles, the spirit of MuchMusic lives on, one former VJ at a time. It's clear: MuchMusic was more than a channel; it was a cultural bootcamp for the cool and charismatic. And honestly? We’re still here for the encore.
