Lorne Cardinal on Playing Davis Quinton on Corner Gas

Reflections on a Great Canadian TV Series

Lorne Cardinal’s portrayal of Davis Quinton in "Corner Gas" provided him with a unique acting challenge: breathing life into a character that was, on the surface, quite two-dimensional. The scripts never delved deep into Davis's backstory – there were no revelations about his past, his education, or his personal life. This made Cardinal's task all the more demanding, as he had to create depth without those details. He achieved this by tapping into Davis’s innocence and enthusiasm. Whether it was organizing a wedding or joining a club, Davis approached everything with a childlike zeal. This passion made him relatable and endearing, and Cardinal found joy in bringing out these qualities.

A notable idiosyncrasy of the character was his drawn-out "all right" catchphrase. Though simply written as "all right" in the script, Lorne felt it needed more emphasis. Despite the showrunners' occasional nudges to shorten it, Cardinal held firm. He believed that this elongated exclamation was a reflection of Davis's boundless enthusiasm. Over time, this trademark phrase became emblematic of Davis’s infectious positivity.

The impact of "Corner Gas" on Canadians was profound, something Lorne realized soon after its debut. In metropolitan areas like Toronto, he’d frequently encounter fans from smaller towns who felt the show echoed their own experiences and backgrounds. Many shared how the show evoked memories of their hometowns, resonating with the stories and characters in a deeply personal way. Even members of the police force approached Lorne to express how they related to his portrayal of Davis, underscoring the authenticity of his performance.

But perhaps the most touching testimonials came from those who were facing adversity. Soldiers stationed in Afghanistan told Lorne about how they'd watch "Corner Gas" on laptops inside bunkers during rocket attacks. The show provided them a sense of home and laughter amidst the chaos. Similarly, individuals battling illnesses found comfort and laughter in the episodes, drawing strength from its heartwarming narratives. For Cardinal, such feedback was a testament to the show's power and the collective effort of its cast, writers, and crew.

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