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“LORNE MICHAELS WANTED TO STAY IN CANADA”

Before he was the enigmatic ringmaster behind Saturday Night Live, Lorne Michaels was a kid from Forest Hill who hoped to make it big in his home country, then headed to the US when that didn’t pan out. Now, he’s the subject of a new biography, more than 600 pages on the man responsible for fostering comedic brilliance over five decades. The book’s author, long-time New Yorker editor Susan Morrison, worked for Michaels in the ’80s and devoted the past 10 years to figuring out what makes him tick. Here, she talks about Canadian funny, playing favourites among cast members and why the dance floor may be Michaels’s cool-guy kryptonite.

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“I FELT LIKE I WAS LIVING A DOUBLE LIFE”

Olivia Ho was a health care worker bored at home over the pandemic when she tried out a trending craft: making plant pots out of basketballs. Four years later, she’s customized her designs for the Raptors, collaborated with brands like Nike and designed merch for Toronto’s first WNBA team.

MURDER IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Ashley and James Schwalm had what seemed like a fairy tale life—two wonderful kids, fulfilling careers and a gorgeous home close to a private ski club. Then Ashley’s remains turned up in a burned-out car, and all signs pointed to her husband.

What to see, do, hear and read this month

A DEEP DIVE INTO THE ORIGINS OF A TECH LEGEND

Tech whiz stories often start with late-night coding in dorm rooms or fateful garage start-ups, but in his new autobiography, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is focusing on his childhood. In the first entry of a promised three-part series, the billionaire explores his early family relationships, his rebellious teenage years, and the loss of Paul Allen, the boyhood friend with whom he started Microsoft. Out now.

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FEBRUARY 2025: SCOTTIE’S WORLD

In the latest issue: Scottie Barnes is the new face of the Raptors—and the team’s best chance of salvation. Plus, a ranking of the city’s best new pastas, an equestrian scandal for the ages, and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.

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