Growing up, Rick Campanelli never envisioned becoming one of the country’s most recognized faces in entertainment reporting. As a child, his dream occupations varied from being a soccer player to a pilot. The Hamilton resident has come a long way from being a regular teenager who attended concerts and surrounded himself with pop culture to becoming Entertainment Tonight Canada’s Senior Entertainment Reporter.
Landing one of Canada’s much coveted entertainment industry jobs was unexpected for the recent university graduate. After winning the 1994 MuchMusic Temp contest, Campanelli both volunteered and worked behind the scenes of MuchMusic. As a result, when an on-air position became available, it was offered to him because of his proven dedication to the network and his ambition to work in front of the camera.
The genial reporter known for his laid-back personality admits the transition from behind the scenes to being on-screen was quite a difficult one. “At first I was nervous, I was uncomfortable,” he said in a recent interview with One80 on the set of ET Canada. “I’m a Physical Education grad. I’m not used to having cameras in my face. So it took me [a while] to build up that confidence level…I’m a shy guy. I was a shy kid growing up.”
Campanelli attributes his hosting abilities to the practical experience he received as an intern. He noted the benefits of education, but described the importance of training in the working world as the “best experience anyone can have.”
After working with MuchMusic for over a decade, Campanelli accepted an offer for his current position with ET Canada in the fall of 2005. The show has filled a niche in the entertainment news industry, because of its primary focus on Canadian lifestyle, especially on the country’s rising stars. “Someday they might be the next Jim Carrey or the next Mike Myers, so I’m glad we’re getting that out to the viewers these days,” said Campanelli. The unique production has Canadian content regulations of 65 per cent, meaning that the majority of each show’s coverage has to be on actors, artists, or stories that are predominantly Canadian.
Making the move to ET Canada brought about a challenge that Campanelli said he had been anxiously anticipating throughout his career. The former MuchMusic VJ feels honoured to be part of this television empire. “When I found out this show was going to be an ET branded Canadian version, I was excited just to be part of it…I grew up watching Mary Hart [of Entertainment Tonight].”
Having had memorable and unique moments with the stars such as taking a flying leap off a jagged cliff with Sean Paul and diving out of an airplane with the Foo Fighters, Campanelli has a proven dedication and zest for the craft. When asked about any friendships he has made with interview subjects over the years, he mentioned the men of the Backstreet Boys and Lucas Rossi from Rock Star: Supernova. He casually mentioned a weekend trip to Los Angeles to interview the likes of legendary actress Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman. Meeting celebrities and attending red carpet events is just one aspect of his job, which also includes creative input such as pitching ideas and writing stories.
Although the perks to working in the entertainment industry are undeniably abundant, there are also a few unexpected shortcomings. Campanelli entered the workforce directly after graduating—a decision he admittedly regrets. “You know what I regret? I love travelling, and I hear all these stories about people going backpacking through Europe or Asia. I wanted to do something like that, but I never had a chance. Now I just travel the world for work!”
Campanelli has made several sacrifices for the sake of his career, namely giving up time with his family. With a wife, Kim, and young son, Noah, he confesses that he would love to spend more time at home, taking time off work to be with his family and maybe raising another child.
His paternal nature has been a motivating factor to his extensive involvement with charities. Visits to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children with his son reinforced his beliefs in contributing to aid organizations. “I’ll give back to them ‘til the day I die,” he said about the benevolent hospital. In previous years, he travelled to Africa to tape a promotion for World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. He cites this experience as one of his most memorable as it allowed him to experience a new culture and bear witness to the different living conditions.
Campanelli describes his life as satisfying; he has a beautiful wife, an adorable child, and a successful career. “Entertainment is good for what I’m doing now,” he said, adding that in the distant future he might consider hosting his own talk show. “I always crave more, but I’m happy with where my life has gotten me.”
After sitting down with Campanelli, it’s obvious why he is one of Canada’s most likeable entertainment reporters. He has a friendly demeanour, and although he has a reputation for being Mr. Nice Guy, he rightfully maintains his humility. “I think people know everything about me,” he said when asked what the public would be surprised to find out. A moment later, one of ET Canada‘s producers walked into the room and said, “Everyone knows everything about Rick. He’s the nicest guy in the world.”
“No, I wouldn’t say that,” replied Campanelli. “I’ve met nicer.”
Finally, after much persuasion, Campanelli revealed a lengthily guarded secret: “I bite my fingernails, but I think people already know that.” Canada’s favourite media personality is living proof that nice guys do finish first.
One80’s Celebrity Diary
Full Name: Rick Campanelli
My Birth Sign: Capricorn
Reading/Movie Genre I Prefer: Thrillers/Action
An issue I feel strongly about… the wellbeing of children around the world.
If I could time travel, I would go to… early Rome for the architecture.
My idea of a good date… sporting event followed by a BBQ (that’s my idea, not my wife’s!)
Favourite Vacation Spot: Italy
My pet peeve: People who litter
Jacklene Habib is a Grade 12 student at St. Joseph’s Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School
