In brief
In a powerful display uniting politics and performance, Mike Myers expresses his discontent with perceived attacks on Canadian identity.
As he donned a chainsaw-wielding Elon Musk costume during a March appearance on Saturday Night Live, Mike Myers found himself wrestling with emotions that turned political. "It was like a switch flipped in me," he said in an interview, recalling how Musk’s dismissive comment that Canada isn’t a real country motivated him to respond. Myers reflected on the notion of national identity and the hurt stemming from former President Trump's derogatory remarks about Canada and its leaders, including his infamous "Governor Trudeau" jab. Pondering his feelings about the country's treatment, Myers was stirred by memories of world-renowned hockey legend Gordie Howe, known for his iconic "elbows up" attitude in moments of conflict on the ice. So, when the closing credits rolled, the 61-year-old comedian—who is remembered for iconic roles in films such as "Wayne's World," "Austin Powers," and "Shrek"—boldly revealed a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "Canada Is Not for Sale," directly addressing the camera with the phrase "Elbows up." "My message wasn’t about me; it was for my homeland," he emphasized. The moment marked a significant shift for Myers, who now lives in the United States but asserts that no one embodies Canadian spirit more than someone residing abroad. While his action may not have garnered the same shock as Sinead O’Connor’s infamous moment in 1992, it was a definitive statement for the comedian, signaling a poignant commitment to defending his country.
