Marilyn Denis:
Family, Football & Facials Keep Her Happy
Rise and shine comes early at 3:30am each weekday morning for Marilyn Denis. Before most people sip their first cup of coffee, Denis is already working on air at Toronto radio station CHUM FM with co-host Roger Ashby on the Roger and Marilyn morning drive radio show. By the time most start their work day she has dashed off to host CTV's daily popular national lifestyle-talk program, The Marilyn Denis Show.
Catching her breath can be a daily challenge for Denis who has been a funny and welcoming voice and face for decades to thousands of listeners and viewers.
Though born in Edmonton, her family moved to Pittsburgh when she was a baby and lived there through high school. Pittsburgh was not known at that time for sweetness and daintiness. It was Steeltown USA and home of the famous Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The Steelers are 'It' man. You felt a sense of community with the Steelers. Even though Pittsburgh had its ups and downs economically, and they've had their tough times with crime as all cities do, it's a friendly city so that's all I know it to be to this day," Denis proudly states. I glance around her office and there is indeed Steeler paraphernalia displayed.
Forget the glamorous socialite parties -- Denis would prefer being with her long-time girlfriends and heading to a Steelers game. "I love the whole going down, staying with friends, getting reunited with my high school girlfriends, having time with them, going down to the stadium, watching all the people -- the whole experience." Denis boasts the Steelers have never lost a game she has attended.
With her hectic lifestyle you would think Denis enjoys a sunny beach. Not so. ``I don`t go to a beach. Why go to a beach when my body gets hot - I have hot flashes. I feel like I`m getting a sunburn and just want to go into air conditioning. I want to go to the mountains. I`m not really a skier but I love the whole vibe of the mountains and how fresh it is and just the whole experience - it`s comforting."
By Chris Ryall