In brief
The comedic legend, reflecting on President Trump’s comments and personal experiences, used his platform to communicate solidarity with his homeland.
Mike Myers, the beloved Canadian comedian known for iconic characters in “Wayne's World,” “Austin Powers,” and “Shrek,” took a stand for his country during a recent appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Although he was in the midst of portraying a fictionalized version of Elon Musk while wielding a chainsaw, it was during the show’s closing credits that Myers felt compelled to express a deeper sentiment regarding Canadian identity and pride.As he recalled Musk's dismissive remarks about Canada not being a "real country," and the former U.S. President Trump's disrespectful referral to the Canadian Prime Minister as “Governor Trudeau,” Myers’ emotions peaked. He was further influenced by his memories of the legendary hockey player Gordie Howe, known for his forthright attitude toward aggression on the ice.It was with this fervor that Myers boldly revealed his “Canada Is Not for Sale” t-shirt live on stage, proudly declaring “Elbows up” into the camera. He articulated that his decision stemmed from a genuine space within him, motivated by a desire to reconnect and send a supportive message back home. “What happened came from my ankles and from my brain and from my heart,” he shared, emphasizing that his statement wasn’t self-centered but rooted in national pride.While his action may not have triggered shockwaves akin to past controversial moments on SNL, such as Sinead O’Connor's protest in 1992, it still represented a significant personal and patriotic expression from an expatriate. Myers conveyed that sometimes, it's the individuals who've left their homeland who feel the most connected and protective of their nation's identity, solidifying his assertion that “no one is more Canadian than a person who no longer lives in Canada.”
