Corner Gas: A Great Canadian TV Show
Lorne Cardinal's Journey with a Timeless Classic
Lorne Cardinal on Auditioning for Davis Quinton
Lorne Cardinal's journey to becoming Davis Quinton on the beloved show "Corner Gas" began with an open audition in Toronto. Amidst the pool of 300 aspiring actors of all backgrounds, Lorne found himself amongst men, women, people of different ethnicities, and diverse looks, reflecting the show's open approach to finding the right cast. When he stepped into the audition room, Lorne was paired with another actor to perform a scene as Davis and Karen. Despite the unexpected character choices made by his audition partner, Lorne tapped into his clown training. This allowed him to embody Davis with an aura of innocent discovery, as if everything he experienced was for the first time.
When Lorne recalls the original script, Davis was envisaged as a seasoned sergeant guiding a whimsical rookie, Karen. However, a serendipitous walk with Tara Spencer Nairn, who was cast as Karen, changed the dynamics between the characters. Within their brief conversation, they organically switched roles, making Karen the level-headed cop, while Davis took on a more whimsical disposition. The producers and writers saw this unique spin on their dynamics and appreciated the fresh perspective, allowing the shift to manifest in the show.
Lorne Cardinal on Filming Corner Gas On-Location
For Lorne Cardinal and the rest of the "Corner Gas" cast, the show’s unique filming location brought about distinct logistical challenges. Based in Toronto at the time, Lorne found himself relocating to Regina for several months every filming season. The series was divided between two primary shooting locations: a majority (60%) took place in the small town of Rouleau, while the remaining 40% was shot inside a studio in Regina. This meant that the cast often found themselves commuting to Rouleau for several days in a row, and then switching back to the studio.
With an eight-day schedule set for each half-hour episode, not every day was a working day for all actors. These gaps provided some the opportunity to briefly return to Toronto, although the effort of travel could be exhausting. Given the swift pace of television production, preparation was paramount. Lorne highlighted the crucial nature of being fully prepared: knowing lines and blocking was essential, as there was little room for on-the-spot rehearsals. He emphasized that it wasn't just about an individual’s performance; it was about respecting the collective. From actors to crew, everyone had a significant role to play, and any delays affected the entire team. For Cardinal, acting on "Corner Gas" was a testament to the importance of team effort and commitment in the world of television.
Lorne Cardinal on Going from a Live-Action TV Show to Corner Gas Animated
Switching from live-action to animation for "Corner Gas" presented Lorne Cardinal with an entirely new set of challenges and rewards. From the writers' standpoint, animation freed them from the constraints that live-action imposes. Suddenly, they could explore outlandish scenarios without fretting about logistical or budgetary issues tied to set construction. Sasquatch, unicorns, and "Mad Max" style antics became par for the course. While Cardinal could no longer rely on physical cues and visual comedy, he found the voice acting experience incredibly freeing. Sessions were held remotely, with parts of the cast in Vancouver and others in Toronto. Despite the distance, the camaraderie and shared laughter remained, offering a chance to reconnect with co-stars during each recording.
However, as the animated series drew to a close, a palpable sense of melancholy set in for Cardinal. Bidding adieu to characters and a narrative arc that had been part of his life for nearly two decades wasn't easy. While he felt the void of the characters he'd come to love, it was the absence of his fellow cast members that weighed on him the most. Collaborations, like the one with Eric Peterson for CBC's "Debaters," reminded him of the genuine friendships and bonds forged over years of working together. The passing of Janet Wright, who played a significant role in the series, also left an indelible mark.
Yet, the legacy of "Corner Gas" is enduring. Cardinal frequently encounters young fans who weren't even born when the original series aired but are drawn to its timeless humor. This multigenerational appeal is testament to the series' well-crafted narratives, layered performances, and comedic prowess. Even as chapters close, the heartwarming legacy and the laughter it inspired continue to reverberate with fans new and old.