Shamier Anderson says he was born to play Ben Johnson

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, actor Shamier Anderson discusses his starring role in the new mockumentary series Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story, a surreal and comedic reimagining of the controversial sprinter's life. Anderson, who grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, with Jamaican roots, shares how the role felt fated—both culturally and personally—given his shared background with Johnson. The show, created by Anthony Q. Farrell and Mark Montefiore (known for Letterkenny and Shorzy), uses humor and absurdist storytelling to humanize Johnson, exploring not just his doping scandal but the immense pressure and public scrutiny he endured. Anderson recounts his journey to prepare for the role, including training with Olympic legend Andre De Grasse and a heartfelt dinner with Johnson himself at his brother Stefan James’s home, where the sprinter was warmly welcomed by Anderson’s family. The episode also highlights Anderson’s broader mission through Bay Mills Studios and the Black Academy, initiatives aimed at uplifting Black Canadian stories and countering negative narratives about marginalized communities like Scarborough. Anderson reflects on his own journey from a challenging upbringing in community housing to becoming a role model and advocate for representation in media. Key takeaways include the importance of humanizing public figures beyond their scandals, the power of community-driven storytelling, and the responsibility of artists to represent their roots authentically. Anderson emphasizes that while the show is comedic, it carries a deeper message about resilience, identity, and the lasting impact of public shaming. The episode closes with Anderson’s belief that he was born to play Ben Johnson—a sentiment rooted in shared heritage, cultural specificity, and a personal mission to tell stories that matter. The series is available on Game TV and Paramount+.