Richard Deschamps Bio

Get To Know...

Richard Deschamps

Birthplace? Montreal, at St. Mary's Hospital.

What's the best thing about living in Montreal?
 Where to start? Well, let's see. The culture, French and English living side by side, the nightlife, St. Laurent Boulevard, the jazz festival, St. Patrick's Day festivities, Schwartz's, the Canadiens...and the list goes on and on.

Most memorable moment in your radio career?
Working on the anchor desk as a raw rookie when Princess Diana died. A very educational experience, to say the least.

Favorite person you interviewed and why?
Joe Clark, because it wasn't an interview so much as it was a frank, unscripted half-hour discussion on the future of Canada.

Other than Montreal, where else would you love to live someday?
London, England.

When you have friends visit Montreal from elsewhere for the first time, what's the one thing you insist they see/do?
Visit Old Montreal.

What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
When I was 16, I worked for the company that operated those fairground games at La Ronde. It was my job to hustle people, and sheepishly say ‘no' and look away into the distance when they would come to my booth and ask, ‘are these games crooked?'

Favorite Hobby/Pastime?
Catching up on my sleep.

Favorite magazine?
Harper's.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why?
Time travel, to witness some of the great events of history first-hand.

Favorite television show of all time?
All In The Family. A show that pushed people's buttons and was years ahead of its time.

TV Show that you'd most like to appear on, and why?
Jeopardy, because my knowledge of useless facts will be an asset.

Famous person (living or dead) you'd most like to have lunch with?
Pierre Trudeau. Or Malcolm X.

If they made a movie about you, what actor would you like to play you?
Who CAN play me?
 

What's your #1 pet peeve?
Public figures who shamelessly underestimate the intelligence of the people. And entertainment ‘journalists' whose job it is to regurgitate everything about celebrities that their PR people want them to.

Whom do you admire the most?
Pierre Trudeau, for his wit, style, and vision.

If you have a question or comment for me, you can reach me at richard.deschamps@cjad.com