There are often surprises in life, and David Tolley’s path was changed by one such unforeseen event. Something unexpected happened on December 19, 1985, while watching Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show in the studio. Horatio Gutierrez, a classical pianist, was scheduled to be the guest, but Carson revealed that he would be unable to perform because of a hand injury. Carson questioned the audience about anyone’s ability to play any unusual rhythms on the piano.
Tolley, who had studied piano as a child, felt at home right once. He entered the stage and began to perform the popular musical Cats’ “Memory.” The audience gave him a standing ovation, and he became well-known for his surprising performance.
Tolley’s phone began to ring nonstop the day after the incident. He received calls offering roles in movies, jobs on cruise ships, and other opportunities. An unintentional late-night meeting on a chat show had permanently changed his life. The narrative of Tolley’s unanticipated victory serves as a lesson on being prepared to take advantage of life’s opportunities and overcome obstacles at all times.
