#SMASHTESSFAM FEATURE - LIZ TRINNEAR
MEET LIZ TRINNEAR, HOST OF THE LAUNCH & CORRESPONDENT FOR ETALK
If you binge on celeb gossip or live for the red-carpet interviews before a big award show, you’ll recognize Liz!
Liz Trinnear got her start on TV when she finished up her degree in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at the University of Western in Ontario, she entered the MuchMusic VJ search along with 4,000 others. After 3 months of competing, she won in 2009, and moved to Toronto to begin her dream job as a VJ. In 2015, she changed directions from MuchMusic to etalk, Canada’s #1 entertainment show.
In 2018, Liz got the opportunity to become the LA correspondent for etalk so she packed up her bags and said goodbye to Toronto (and Canada). And if Liz wasn’t busy enough covering all THE hottest Hollywood events, she was offered an exciting position as the host of CTV’s music show, The Launch.
Liz by far has the coolest job… flying around the world interviewing celebrities like Harry Styles, Tom Cruise, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith etc. but somehow, she manages to stay grounded. Liz has a big heart and if you follow her on Insta Stories, she’s the real deal.
And while she’s glam while hosting the MMVAs or covering big events like the Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, Golden Globes, Emmys, SAGS, the 2010 Olympics, etc, she can definitely rock her Smash + Tess Romperalls.
We wanted to learn more about Liz and get a glimpse behind the curtain so we’re turning the mic to over her:
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START OFF ON THIS CAREER PATH?
I have always been outgoing. Since a tiny tot, I loved to talk to anyone who would listen and entertain people in some form or another. I knew I wanted to do something in music or television early on but didn’t quite know how or what exactly. Once I discovered MuchMusic as a young girl, I knew I wanted to be a VJ after watching George Strombo interview Gwen Stefani and Blink 182. I was and still am music obsessed. I start most days and end most days with music.
When I was 18 years old, I started off by posting posters outside of venues for concerts which lead me to club promoting and a brief radio show at CHRW in London, Ontario (7am-9am Saturday mornings *no one was awake*). I went on to land a job as a Summer Cruiser personality on a local rock radio station and after winning the VJ search, my love for music and television came together.
Secretly or not so secretly - I wish I was a pop star but I stick to Karaoke!
WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THAT HAS SHAPED YOUR JOURNEY?
Never give up on who you are. “You are great just the way you are.” As cliché as that may sound, there is a lot of noise in my industry. People telling me to how to act, talk, sound, look a certain way but authenticity has been one thing that has helped me get to where I am today. I believe, that is what people connect to. Honesty and authenticity. Ain’t nobody got time for phoney baloney people!
ONE TIP FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN BRAND OR BUSINESS?
Love what you do, do what you love. If you don’t have passion for your business, it will be hard to find true happiness. We all have aspects of our careers that aren’t the greatest but when you love what you do, that’s where the real success will come from.
WHAT DOES YOUR ULTIMATE SUNDAY CONSIST OF?
Sleeping in, breakfast and tea at home followed by a stroll through a farmers’ market, perhaps a nap and cooking dinner with my husband. My husband and I both travel a lot so any time we get to have a “chill” day at home, I am just in my glory!
CURRENT NETFLIX BINGE?
I love a good crime drama. Shows like Broadchurch, The Killing, Hinterland, The Bridge, Bodyguard etc. Other faves: Great British Bake Off, Derry Girls, Elite.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
IRL: My forever inspiration is my MOM. She is one of the kindest, most compassionate and empathetic people I have ever known. She’s smart, strong, funny and the list goes on.
If I had to choose from celebrities, I would say Oprah, Beyonce, Chrissy Teigen, Gwen Stefani, - basically all of the hardworking, honest, bad ass bosses in my industry.
DESERT ISLAND BEAUTY PRODUCT?
Moisturizing sunscreen. If your skin isn’t well hydrated… well don’t bother with anything else. Wanna stay young and protected? USE SUNSCREEN! Even a tinted moisturizer with SPF - now that… is a dynamite trio.
FAVE PLACE TO ROCK YOUR ROMPER?
I love wearing my Romper while running errands out and about or around the house. It’s the perfect every day romp!
WHICH GUILTY PLEASURE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS ARE YOUR FAVE INSTA-FOLLOWS?
@kidsdoingthings - Kids doing and saying funny things.
@drunkpeopledoingthings - Drunk people doing funny or drunken things.
@garyjanetti - My fave! It’s an account pretending to be Prince George of Cambridge. HILARIOUS!
WHOSE POSTER DID YOU HAVE ON YOUR BEDROOM WALL WHEN YOU WERE 12 YEARS OLD?
My walls were COVERED with No Doubt and Gwen Stefani, Bush X, Blink 182 and Destiny’s Child.
Liz is clearly ambitious, authentic and hilarious, which is why we love this #smashtessfam feature and can’t wait to see where she goes next!