Chance Encounter Transforms John Candy from Salesman to Star

In a twist of fate, comedian and actor John Candy transitioned from selling paper products from his car to the silver screen, all due to an unexpected meeting with talent agent Catherine McCartney. The encounter occurred in 1970 at the Eaton’s cafeteria in Toronto, where Candy nearly collided with her in line. This chance event led to a series of interactions that would profoundly shape his career.

After their initial conversation, McCartney discovered that her talent agency was conveniently located across the street from Fran’s Restaurant, a place where Candy often dined. It wasn’t long before she recognized Candy’s potential. During a subsequent visit to her office, he revealed his aspirations of becoming a professional actor, having taken acting classes in hopes of launching his career. McCartney, captivated by his charm and youthful appearance, was eager to assist.

In the same year, she was casting for a television commercial featuring a high school football player promoting Colgate toothpaste. Recognizing Candy’s real-life experience as a football player, McCartney sent him to audition. He secured the role, marking his first significant step into the entertainment industry. Candy recalled his big moment on set with the renowned television host Art Linkletter, stating, “My one big line was ‘Oh sure, Casanova!’ [We did] about a hundred takes of that.”

The success of the Colgate commercial bolstered Candy’s confidence, prompting him to request more auditions. He landed several other commercials, including a prominent spot for Molson Golden Ale, which aired during CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. The exposure delighted him, as it meant his friends from Neil McNeil High School would see him on television.

Candy’s association with McCartney deepened as they bonded over personal experiences, including the loss of their fathers at a young age. McCartney noted, “John had a quality of vulnerability. He was young and awfully cute. He had the ability to make people feel special even if he had only known them a short time.” As Candy shared his dreams of fame, McCartney guided him toward opportunities in the acting world.

He continued to pursue stage roles, including a part in David Freeman’s play Creeps at the Tarragon Theatre. Despite earning only $40 a week, Candy felt fulfilled as a working actor. Balancing his acting career with various day jobs, he sold paper products door-to-door, often relying on his old brown Pontiac for transportation.

In 1972, another serendipitous encounter occurred when Candy met fellow actor Valri Bromfield at Eaton’s. She admired his humor and charm, stating, “If somebody makes me laugh, I’ll just stand there and laugh… John was like that. Everything he did, he just kept tripping over great lines.” Bromfield, along with her comedy partner Dan Aykroyd, had recently moved to Toronto and was developing a local sketch comedy program called Change for a Quarter.

Recognizing Candy’s potential, Bromfield suggested he meet with Stephen Katz, the director of her children’s theatre troupe, Caravan Theatre. Katz needed someone with Candy’s stature for various roles, including that of a king. Taking the leap, Candy left his steady job to join the troupe, where he showcased his comedic talent in children’s theatre productions. Bromfield remembered, “John was just fabulous as this very stately king, and children just loved him.”

As Candy became more entrenched in the Toronto entertainment scene, he met Aykroyd, who had also been exploring other careers at the time. Both Aykroyd and Candy were navigating their paths in the industry, with Candy joking about his struggles as a salesman. “I had a trunk filled with Halloween, Valentine’s Day… greetings from Disney characters,” he recalled. After being let go from his sales job, Candy realized he needed to fully commit to acting.

While he excelled in comedic roles, Candy also aspired to tackle serious characters, such as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. During this period, he took on various roles, including work with the Jolly Jesters and performances at schools across the Toronto area.

Despite his busy schedule, Candy often found himself socializing with a growing circle of aspiring actors, including Aykroyd and Bromfield. They frequented various venues, including a late-night speakeasy called the 505, where many artists, including musicians and medical professionals, gathered to unwind after long shifts.

As the 1970s progressed, Candy’s connections within the Toronto arts community expanded, including relationships with actors such as Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Gilda Radner. These friendships blossomed in an environment that fostered creativity and collaboration. Candy, who had met his future wife Rosemary Hobor during this time, became a beloved figure in this artistic network.

The camaraderie within this circle was palpable. They engaged in various activities, including improvised performances and games that fueled their comedic instincts. This vibrant social scene ultimately helped propel Candy’s career forward, leading him to opportunities that would solidify his status as a comedic icon.

Reflecting on his journey, Candy’s early encounters—from selling paper to landing commercial roles—demonstrate the power of serendipity and the importance of seizing opportunities. His story remains a testament to how chance meetings can lead to life-changing paths in the world of entertainment.