Life is full of surprises, and one such unexpected incident altered David Tolley’s course. On December 19, 1985, while watching Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show in the studio, something unexpected occurred. The guest was supposed to be classical pianist Horatio Gutierrez, but Carson disclosed that he would be unable to perform due to a hand injury. Carson asked if anyone in the audience could play any odd rhythms on the piano.
Having studied piano as a child, Tolley immediately settled in. He walked onto the stage and started to play “Memory,” from the hit musical Cats. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and gained notoriety for his unexpected performance.
The day following the event, Tolley’s phone started ringing incessantly. Calls offering parts in films, positions on cruise ships, and other chances were made to him. His life had been permanently changed by an inadvertent meeting on a chat show during the late hours. The tale of Tolley’s unanticipated victory serves as a warning to always be prepared to take advantage of the possibilities and difficulties life presents.
