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Steve Anthony

Steve Anthony (born Stephen Anthony Gomes, April 2, 1959) is a Canadian retired broadcaster and media personality best known for his role as a (VJ) on the music channel MuchMusic from May 1987 to November 1995. Born in , , Anthony began his career in radio during the mid-1980s at CKGM-AM in his hometown, later working at CHOM-FM in . He relocated to , where he hosted radio shows on prominent outlets such as Q107, , and later Mix 99.9. His time at MuchMusic, during the channel's formative years as a pioneer in music video programming, established him as a national figure in Canadian media, contributing to the network's innovative, street-level broadcasting style that launched on August 31, 1984. Following his MuchMusic stint, Anthony expanded into , hosting a weekend program on Sirius Channel Iceberg 85 in 2009 and co-hosting the syndicated Too Much '80s with former colleague . In 2009, he joined as a news reporter and entertainment correspondent before becoming co-host of the network's program, a role he held until his retirement in March 2018 after nearly four decades in the industry. Post-retirement, Anthony relocated to , and has remained involved in media through voice work, producing, and contributions to projects like the 2023 MuchMusic documentary 299 Queen Street West, where he reflected on the channel's cultural impact.

Early life

Childhood and family

Steve Anthony, born Stephen Anthony Gomes in 1959 in , , grew up in the city's area. From a young age, he displayed a hyperactive and attention-seeking personality, often engaging in pranks and disruptive behavior at school. He attended Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School starting in grade 7, its inaugural year as a high school, where he was known for antics such as short-circuiting electrical outlets with aluminum foil. Due to his escalating behavioral issues, Anthony transferred to the private Loyola High School for grades 9 through 12, a decision influenced by his father's own attendance at the institution. At Loyola, he continued his outrageous acts, including performing dramatic readings of Shakespeare from a closet while impersonating characters from the children's show . Reflecting on this period, Anthony later acknowledged that his actions risked leading him toward a troubled path, including potential incarceration, prompting the school change as an intervention. Anthony came from a close-knit family that shaped his early interests and values. His father, a hardworking figure who emphasized goodness and caring for others, provided a foundation amid Anthony's rebellious tendencies. He had an older brother who attended and introduced him to eclectic music tastes, including early exposure to artists like and , fostering Anthony's lifelong passion for diverse sounds. His sister, meanwhile, often got into "tons of trouble," which inadvertently allowed Anthony more leeway in his own mischief. Even as a child, Anthony took on small jobs, starting at age five by picking dandelions for a neighbor at 25 cents per bag, instilling an early .

Education and early interests

Steve Anthony was born on April 2, 1959, in , , where he grew up in a hyperactive and attention-seeking environment that shaped his early personality. As a child, he developed a strong interest in pranks and humor as a means to gain notice and amusement from others, often engaging in mischievous acts that highlighted his outgoing nature. For instance, during his school years, Anthony would orchestrate elaborate disruptions, such as placing aluminum foil in electrical outlets to cause power outages or hiding in a cupboard to recite Shakespeare lines in the voices of children's television characters. These behaviors, while risky and potentially leading to more serious trouble, revealed his innate talent for performance and entertainment, which later channeled into broadcasting. His fascination with radio began at age 14, sparked by watching his older brother host a show at , an experience that ignited his passion for the medium's ability to connect and entertain audiences remotely. This interest deepened by age 17, when he volunteered for the overnight shift at Montreal's 1470 CFOX, a Top 40 radio station, where he operated and gained hands-on exposure to operations. These early forays into radio not only honed his technical skills but also affirmed his affinity for the fast-paced, creative world of on-air communication, setting the foundation for his professional pursuits. Anthony's formal education began in Montreal's public school system, attending Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School starting in grade 7, followed by a transfer to the smaller, private Loyola High School for grades 9 through 12, where his prankster reputation stood out more prominently due to the intimate class sizes. After high school, he enrolled at , a institution on Montreal's , during the late , pursuing studies that aligned with his growing media interests. It was around this period that his volunteer work at CFOX evolved into professional opportunities, including entry-level roles at stations like 980 CKGM, bridging his academic life with the start of his radio career.

Broadcasting career

Radio beginnings

Steve Anthony's fascination with radio began during his teenage years in . At the age of 14, he developed an early interest in after observing his older brother host a show on McGill University's station, which inspired him to explore the medium further. By age 17, around 1976, Anthony secured his initial hands-on experience in professional radio by volunteering for the overnight shift at CFOX (1470 AM), Montreal's Top 40 station. In this role, he operated the control room, gaining practical skills in programming and technical operations that honed his on-air presence and timing. This volunteer position served as a crucial entry point, bridging his youthful enthusiasm with the demands of . Following high school, Anthony enrolled at on Montreal's , where he studied creative arts with an emphasis on radio. During his time there in the late 1970s, he took on leadership of the college's radio station, managing operations and content creation while balancing three part-time jobs and coursework. This period solidified his foundation, allowing him to experiment with programming and develop a distinctive energetic style. Upon completing his studies, Anthony continued building experience at CFOX before transitioning to paid roles. In the early to mid-1980s, he joined CKGM (980 AM) in as an announcer, marking his entry into full-time professional radio in a major market. At CKGM, he contributed to the station's sports and music programming, leveraging his growing reputation for engaging delivery. This stint at CKGM represented a pivotal step, positioning him for broader opportunities in Canadian radio. In 1986, Anthony relocated to to host the afternoon drive shift at (Q107). He transitioned to the morning show at in 1987, where he co-hosted with Fred Patterson and Kim Carruthers until 1989.

MuchMusic VJ tenure

Steve Anthony joined MuchMusic as a (VJ) in May 1987, while continuing his radio work in . His tenure lasted until November 1995, during which he became a prominent figure on the network known for its innovative, street-level approach to music video programming. Anthony's on-air style was characterized by high energy and unscripted authenticity, earning him the nickname "Bad Boy of MuchMusic" for his outrageous antics and risk-taking demeanor. He frequently conducted live street interviews outside the MuchMusic headquarters at 299 Queen Street West, engaging directly with fans and capturing the raw excitement of Toronto's music scene. Notable moments included co-hosting segments with artists like in 1991 and introducing new VJs such as Natalie Richard, which highlighted his role in fostering the network's interactive community. Throughout his eight-year run, Anthony contributed to MuchMusic's pioneering format by providing personal, off-the-cuff commentary on videos and events, helping to define the VJ role as relatable and adventurous rather than polished. He participated in high-profile stunts, such as climbing an waterfall during a Much Job event and a tree-tossing incident that underscored his "tornado of energy" presence on air. Anthony's popularity as a VJ extended beyond daily programming; in 2006, he served as a panelist on the MuchMusic VJ Search, a competition to select new hosts for the network, reflecting his enduring influence on its talent development. His work during the network's formative years helped solidify MuchMusic's reputation as a cultural hub for Canadian youth, blending music, interviews, and spontaneous broadcasts.

Post-MuchMusic radio

Following his departure from MuchMusic in 1995, Anthony returned to full-time radio. In 1998, he became the morning show host at CHOM-FM (97.7) in , replacing the syndicated show, and held the role until 2001. He then moved back to to host the afternoon show at CFXJ-FM (Mix 99.9) from 2001 until its format change to in August 2008. In 2009, Anthony hosted a weekend program on Sirius Satellite Radio's Channel Iceberg 85 and co-hosted the syndicated countdown show Too Much '80s with former MuchMusic colleague .

Television hosting at CP24

Steve Anthony joined in March 2009 as a commentator providing traffic updates from Chopper 24 on the newly launched morning program , which debuted on March 26, 2009. He transitioned into a co-hosting role shortly thereafter, partnering with to deliver a mix of news, weather, traffic, and entertainment segments aimed at viewers starting their day. His tenure as co-host of spanned from 2010 to 2018, during which he contributed to the show's evolution into a key staple of local morning television. As co-host, Anthony was known for his engaging personality and early-morning energy, often rising at 3 a.m. to prepare for the live broadcast that helped audiences navigate rush hour and daily headlines. Under his involvement, Breakfast grew to become 's most-watched morning show and a top-rated program in , surpassing competitors like on in viewership—a point of particular pride for Anthony given his prior experience in morning . He received recognition for his on-air presence, being voted the top Television Personality in the Greater Toronto Area's Top Choice Awards for five consecutive years during this period. Anthony's contributions included light-hearted commentary, celebrity interviews, and community-focused segments that emphasized practical information for commuters and families. In January 2014, during a live segment, Anthony drop-kicked a tire, resulting in a broken and that required . Anthony announced his departure from on March 12, 2018, stating his intent to pursue personal business ventures and projects alongside his wife, Tanya Humphrey-Anthony, after nearly a decade on the show and almost 40 years in broadcasting. His final episode aired on March 29, 2018, featuring tributes from colleagues and alumni, marking the end of his early-morning television routine. In reflecting on his time at , Anthony highlighted the satisfaction of building a successful program that connected with viewers, noting, "After 9 years as a host on ... I am stepping away from being on TV and radio."

Voice work and later roles

Following his tenure at , which ended in March 2018, Steve Anthony transitioned into and work, leveraging his decades of experience. Since 1986, he has been a sought-after for commercials, including high-ticket and campaigns, as well as radio across various formats such as , light, , news, and . His distinctive has served as the signature announcer for CTV Two, heard nationwide in . Anthony maintains a studio where he produces content for radio stations, podcasts, and mentors emerging artists. In addition to voice work, Anthony has pursued entrepreneurial ventures and media relations roles. On August 15, 2018, he joined Direct Global/Direct Co-ops as Head of Media Relations and a member of the , focusing on supporting small and medium-sized businesses through networks and initiatives. In this capacity, he has contributed to promotional efforts, including appearances on radio programs like 680 News to discuss the organization's mission. He also serves as an MC, , and , drawing on his background to engage audiences at events. Anthony relocated to , after retiring from daily on-air television, allowing him to balance these professional pursuits with personal interests while continuing his business activities from the region.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Steve Anthony has been married to since 1997. The couple, who celebrated 17 years of marriage as of , share a close partnership, with Tanya often described as a steadfast companion throughout Anthony's broadcasting career. As of 2015, worked as an educational counselor for Laureate Hospitality. Anthony and considered their three Chihuahuas—, , and —as integral members of their family as of 2015. , a 4-pound female, was a , while and are both males; the dogs were notably affectionate and formed a central part of the couple's home life.

Residence and lifestyle

Steve Anthony and his wife, Tanya Humphrey-Anthony, whom he married in 1997, resided in a 2,400-square-foot, three-story home in Toronto's Greektown neighborhood (also known as ) from June 2011 until approximately 2018. The property, previously owned by Anthony's sister, included three bedrooms, four bathrooms (some with Jacuzzis), a finished basement described by Tanya as her "woman cave," a dedicated serving as Anthony's "" for work and mentoring, and a theater room. The home's decor blended Asian fusion and modern styles with African accents, neutral tones, and original hardwood floors, featuring personal items like a signed painting and dishware. During this period, the couple shared their home with three Chihuahuas named , , and , reflecting Anthony's affection for animals; he once remarked, "A day being smothered by dogs is a good day." Anthony's lifestyle was shaped by his demanding schedule, waking at 3 a.m. daily for his Breakfast co-host role from 5:30 to 9 a.m., followed by home-based sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekends involved relaxed pursuits such as adult coloring books, reading, and exploring new music, with the couple expressing plans to relocate to the countryside to establish a small dog refuge. Following Anthony's retirement from active broadcasting in early 2018, he and Tanya relocated to , where they continue to base their lives and business ventures as of 2019. As of 2022, Anthony remained engaged in the local community, serving as for events such as the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce's Excellence in Business Awards in 2021 and 2022, and participating in volunteer activities like preparing pancakes for the Grand Fondo cycling event. The move aligned with their earlier aspirations for a rural setting, allowing Anthony to focus on entrepreneurial pursuits, including freelance voice imaging, writing, producing, , and MC work, while maintaining a lower-profile lifestyle centered on their property and animal interests. No recent public information is available on further developments as of 2025.

Legacy and recognition

Awards and honors

Steve Anthony received multiple Top Choice Awards for his contributions to television broadcasting in the (). He was honored as Top Television Personality (Male) in the in 2011 (shared with News), 2012, 2013, and 2015 during his tenure as co-host of Breakfast, highlighting his popularity and impact on local morning news programming. In 2011, Anthony shared the Top Choice Award with CP24 News, recognizing his role in the program's success as a leading . He won the individual in 2012, further affirming his status as a viewer favorite. The following year, in , he again received the Top Television Personality at the ceremony. Anthony received the again in 2015. These awards, voted by the public, underscore his engaging on-air presence and connection with audiences over more than a decade in radio and television.

Influence on Canadian media

Steve Anthony's tenure as a (VJ) at MuchMusic from 1987 to 1995 played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian music television, where he embodied the channel's unscripted, high-energy ethos that connected directly with youth audiences. His carefree and irreverent style, often described as that of the "Bad Boy of MuchMusic," introduced a risk-taking authenticity to on-air programming, conducting hundreds of artist interviews with acts such as and . This approach helped MuchMusic differentiate itself from international competitors like by prioritizing Canadian cultural representation and fan interaction, fostering a sense of accessibility that influenced the broader landscape of youth-oriented media in . Anthony's contributions extended the creative freedom he honed in radio during the mid-1980s at stations like Q107 and CHOM, where he was part of teams that defined in . By translating this radio innovation—characterized by collaborative, personality-driven content—to television, he amplified the visual power of , emphasizing between music videos to engage viewers in a mosaic of Canadian youth culture. His role in MuchMusic's early days, under founder , contributed to the channel's legacy as a trailblazing platform that launched innovative shows like "" and "," setting standards for programming that resonated globally while prioritizing local talent and stories. In his later career at starting in 2009, Anthony hosted the top-rated "CP24 Breakfast," which achieved the highest audience numbers among Toronto's local morning shows by blending MuchMusic's youthful appeal with news and lifestyle segments, including unique features like traffic reports. This transition demonstrated his enduring impact on Canadian media by bridging music with mainstream , maintaining high engagement standards and influencing the format of urban morning broadcasts. His overall legacy, as reflected in documentaries and retrospectives, lies in pioneering an authentic VJ model that empowered broadcasters to infuse personal energy into media, leaving a lasting imprint on how Canadian outlets approach audience connection and cultural storytelling.

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