Earl Camembert
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Earl Camembert is a fictional news reporter and anchorman portrayed by Eugene Levy on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, which aired in the 1970s and 1980s.
Camembert, loosely based on real-life news reporter Earl Cameron, was a recurring character alongside Joe Flaherty's character of Floyd Robertson, also a fictional anchorman, based on real-life Canadian news anchor Lloyd Robertson. The two co-anchored the SCTV Network's "SCTV News" program.
Camembert always appeared with eyeglasses and checkered suit with matching bow tie, along with his black hair in a near-afro style. Robertson, who was portrayed as the respectable, well-dressed anchorman, reported major news stories (often including wars and disasters involving the fictional African nation of Togoland) while Camembert was stuck with frivolous items.
Camembert also often presented editorials, which earned Robertson's scorn. In one episode, Robertson laughed through Camembert's entire piece. Camembert's editorials were usually followed by his signature on screen, which appeared scribbled and disorganized. Camembert headed the election campaign for SCTV personality Johnny La Rue (played by John Candy) during the Melonville town elections, ignoring the principle of journalistic neutrality. After La Rue was soundly defeated, Camembert was fired by La Rue. Robertson then informed Camembert that he would be reported for his journalistic violations.
Camembert also has one son, Earl Junior, who tried to fill in for Camembert in one episode due to Robertson's tardiness. Typical of Robertson's crassness, upon returning to the studio, he bullied the younger Camembert, who looked identical to his father.
Levy's portrayal of Camembert made him a sympathetic figure in light of Robertson's success and his mistreatment of Camembert.
