Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, a ‘vibrant spirit and memorable presence,' dies at 54
Juliette Powell, former MuchMusic television host, beauty queen, tech leader and trailblazer, has died at age 54.
Powell died of acute bacterial meningitis on June 3.
She grew up competing in beauty pageants and became the first Black winner of the Miss Canada pageant in 1989, going on to represent Canada in Miss Universe.
Powell was the first Black winner of Miss Canada in 1989.
Ron Bull
Powell's magnetic personality and knack for connecting with audiences made her a natural fit for television. She began as a VJ at Quebecois television broadcaster MusiquePlus in 1992, hosting the dance music show 'Bouge de là!' In 1996, she moved to Toronto and joined MuchMusic, where she became host of the shows 'Electric Circus,' a live dance music program, and 'French Kiss,' which aired French-language music videos.
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'Bell Media is deeply saddened to hear the news of Juliette's passing,' wrote Justin Stockman, spokesperson for Bell Media, in a June 10 email to the Star.
'Her vibrant spirit and memorable presence for both MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, on iconic programs such as Electric Circus and French Kiss, left an enduring legacy. Juliette's warmth and energy resonated with audiences and her contributions to Canadian television will never be forgotten.'
Juiette Powell interviewing dancers during a live broadcast of 'Electric Circus.'
Tony Bock
In 1999, she founded her own media company, Powell International Entertainment, through which she produced features with luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Janet Jackson and Steven Spielberg.
Born in New York City, Powell moved to Montreal at age eight. She returned to New York to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Columbia University, and ultimately became a faculty member in the Interactive Telecommunications Program at New York University.
Powell became an author as well, writing '33 Million People in the Room: How to Create Influence, and Run a Successful Business Using Social Networking' in 2009.
In 2023, she co-authored 'The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology' with Art Kleiner, and was a founder and managing partner of Kleiner Powell International, a consultancy focusing on business strategy and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Condolences can be left at online-tribute.com/JuliettePowell.
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