Chance Encounter Transforms John Candy’s Path to Stardom

A chance meeting in a Toronto café set the stage for the remarkable career of comedian and actor John Candy. In the early 1970s, Candy was selling paper products from his car when he encountered talent agent Catherine McCartney at the Eaton’s cafeteria. Their conversation sparked a series of events that would ultimately lead Candy to become a beloved figure in entertainment.

During an awkward exchange, Candy, who had nearly bumped into McCartney while waiting in line, learned that her talent office was conveniently located across the street from the café. A few days later, McCartney invited him to her office, where he revealed his aspirations of becoming a professional actor. McCartney, charmed by Candy’s charisma, was eager to help him find opportunities.

In 1970, she was casting for a television commercial that required a high school football player extolling the virtues of Colgate toothpaste. Recognizing that Candy had lived that life, she sent him for an audition. After successfully landing the role, he found himself on set with television legend Art Linkletter. Reflecting on the experience, Candy later told David Letterman that his line was, “Oh sure, Casanova!” adding that they filmed numerous takes, which solidified his newfound confidence.

The commercial was a pivotal moment for Candy, who soon began auditioning for more roles. He secured a spot in a Molson Golden Ale advertisement that aired during the CBC’s hockey broadcasts, delighting his friends from Neil McNeil High School. Frequent meetings with McCartney allowed them to bond over shared experiences, including the loss of their fathers at a young age.

“John had a quality of vulnerability,” McCartney later noted in an interview. “He was young and awfully cute. He made people feel special.” As they discussed his dreams of fame, McCartney guided Candy toward stage opportunities. He landed a small role in David Freeman’s play, Creeps, at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre. Although earning only $40 a week, Candy embraced his identity as a professional actor.

Balancing acting with various day jobs, Candy sold paper products door to door and worked part-time at Eaton’s. In 1972, he encountered another future collaborator, actress Valri Bromfield, while at Eaton’s. “He was so sweet and nice and funny,” she recalled. Their chemistry sparked a series of creative partnerships.

Bromfield, along with her comedy partner Dan Aykroyd, had moved to Toronto and were launching a local television sketch show called Change for a Quarter. They had impressed writer and performer Lorne Michaels, which encouraged them to pursue their ambitions in the city. Bromfield suggested Candy meet with Stephen Katz, director of the Caravan Theatre troupe, who needed actors for children’s productions.

Candy agreed to join the troupe, showcasing his talent in roles both large and small. Bromfield noted, “John was fabulous as this very stately king, and children loved him.” His ability to engage with the audience and keep the atmosphere lively made him a standout performer.

As Candy’s reputation grew, he formed connections with other talented individuals in Toronto’s vibrant arts scene. Aykroyd and Bromfield opened a late-night venue known as the 505, which became a hub for actors and performers looking to unwind after their shows. This space fostered creativity and collaboration, where many future stars gathered.

Candy’s journey continued as he participated in various theatre productions, including a return to the Tarragon Theatre in 1972 for Sheldon Rosen’s adaptation of The Stag King. Despite the limited pay, which often left him living beyond his means, Candy’s passion for acting never waned. He embraced his role in the community of aspiring performers, a group that included the likes of Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Gilda Radner, who would all later become prominent figures in comedy.

Their weekly gatherings at 1063 Avenue Road became legendary, filled with laughter, improvisation, and camaraderie. Candy soon became a regular, contributing his unique humor to the creative environment. The interactions at these gatherings sparked inspiration and competition among the talented group, creating lasting friendships that would shape their careers.

In a pivotal moment for their careers, Aykroyd and Bromfield decided to audition for the Toronto branch of the improvisational theatre company, Second City. This move would ultimately change everything for them, paving the way for a new era in comedy and solidifying Candy’s place in the entertainment industry.

Candy’s story is a testament to how a chance encounter can alter the course of one’s life. From selling paper to becoming a cherished icon, his journey reflects the power of talent, determination, and the connections made along the way.