Photo courtesy: The Candy Show.
Tributes poured in after it was announced that Candy Palmater, a Mi’kmaq TV host and comedian, died on Christmas Day.
The announcement was made on social media by her partner.
Palmater, who was 53 and based in Toronto, hosted The Candy Show on APTN, but could also be heard on CTV and CBC.
“We were shocked when we heard that one of Canada’s most inspiring Indigenous leaders has passed away today – Candy Palmater!” Obesity Matters said on its Facebook page Saturday.
“She helped launch Obesity Action (now Obesity Matters) earlier this year where she talked passionately about loving yourself no matter how other people thought about you.”
Post by Denise.
I have few words. Candy passed away today at home suddenly.
I will post information soon.
Denise https://t.co/zXLOqxpGJD— Candy Palmater (@TheCandyShow) December 25, 2021
Palmater’s partner and manager, Denise Tompkins, confirmed the comedian, actor and activist died at home unexpectedly on Christmas Day.
“I have few words. Candy passed away today at home suddenly,” said a post from Tompkins on The Candy Show‘s Instagram account Saturday. “I will post information soon.”
On Dec. 21, Palmater posted a picture on Instagram saying, “Enjoying a few strengthening steps outside and some very nice fresh air!”
Fans, shows and programs paid tribute to Palmater on social media.
“Today our entire team is grieving the sudden passing of our good friend Candy Palmater, who always left us smiling a bit bigger, laughing a bit harder, and thinking a bit more critically about the world around us,” tweeted The Social, where Palmater was a frequent co-host.
“We’re thinking of her loved ones today. She’ll be deeply missed.”
Palmater also starred on the Trailer Park Boys as the character Candy in 2016.
“Sad news: Actor, comedian, broadcaster (and badass nipple-twister) Candy Palmater sadly passed away Christmas Day,” the show’s Twitter account posted.
“Sending all our love from Sunnyvale.”
Former APTN National News host who also hosted Laughing Drum on the network said on social media, “She was such a smart, funny and caring human being,” he said. “We always had fun.
“I enjoyed every minute with her.”
My heart is crushed hearing that @TheCandyShow has gone on her final journey. She was such a smart, funny and caring human being. We always had fun. I enjoyed every minute with her. My heart goes out to @CandysManager. Canada lost a great one. pic.twitter.com/qbUB5EVMqt
— Michael Hutchinson (@MHutchinson_WPG) December 26, 2021
Palmater previously studied law and worked as a lawyer, and also for the Nova Scotia government. She recently finished an autobiography scheduled to be released in 2022.
