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David Hoyt Canary (August 25, 1938 – November 16, 2015) was an American actor. Canary is best known for his roles as ranch foreman Candy Canaday in the NBC Western drama Bonanza, and as Adam Chandler in the television soap opera All My Children, for which he received 16 Daytime Emmy Award nominations and won five times.[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Canary was born in Elwood, Indiana, and grew up in Massillon, Ohio.[2][3] He was the middle son of Hilary Canary and Lorena Heal.[4] His brothers were actor John Canary, who once had a role in All My Children, and writer Hilary Glenn Canary. The brothers were purportedly great-great-nephews of Martha Jane Canary, Calamity Jane.[5][unreliable source?][6]

Football

[edit]

Canary starred as an end on both offense and defense on the football team at Massillon Washington High School, where he graduated in 1956.[7] The school honored him as a Distinguished Citizen 35 years later in 1991.[8] He earned a football scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, where he was a three-year letterman from 1957 to 1959 and the recipient of the John Pease Award, as the program's best lineman, in his junior and senior years.[9] Canary trained as a singer at the university's College of Arts and Sciences and received his bachelor's degree in music in 1960.[10] He was picked by the Denver Broncos in the inaugural 1960 American Football League (AFL) draft.[11][7] Commenting on the selection in a 2004 interview for the Archive of American Television, he said, "I thought they were out of their minds. I was 172 pounds, I wasn't very fast, and I couldn't catch a pass. They called me stone fingers."[12]

Career

[edit]

Instead of signing with the Broncos, he opted to head to New York City to become an actor.[7] He served two years in the United States Army, where he entered an All-Army Entertainment Contest in 1963. After ending his service, Canary moved to Los Angeles to continue his acting career.[13]

After a semi-regular role as Russ Gehring in the primetime serial Peyton Place, Canary came to international prominence in 1967 on the Western series Bonanza.[14][15] In 1967, he appeared in the now-classic Western movie Hombre with Paul Newman, Richard Boone, and Cameron Mitchell.[16] Canary guest-starred in the two-part episode of CBS's Gunsmoke entitled "Nitro" (S12E28-29) as George McClaney, a poor man who found high pay creating nitroglycerin.[17] He also played mobster Frank Gusenberg in the film The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and appeared on the short-lived CBS Western Dundee and the Culhane.[18][19]

A contract dispute that year between Leonard Nimoy and the producers of Star Trek forced Herb Solow, Robert H. Justman, and Gene Roddenberry to compile a list of candidates for consideration to take over the role of Mr. Spock. As revealed in Solow and Justman's book, Star Trek - The Inside Story, Canary was one of these candidates.[20]

David Dortort, the creator and producer of Bonanza, saw Canary in Hombre and cast him in the role of the new ranch foreman, Candy Canaday. Dortort said that Canary was "the kind of kid who comes on and suddenly, there's nobody else on the screen."[21] Canary left Bonanza in June 1970 after a contract dispute. He returned in May 1972 after Dan Blocker's death.[22] Canary said that he loved Bonanza, except for filming in Nevada in 100° heat.

Canary's most notable stage performance was on Broadway in the original production of Tennessee Williams's Clothes for a Summer Hotel, which starred Geraldine Page.[23] A baritone, he also appeared on Broadway with Colleen Dewhurst in Great Day in the Morning, and he did numerous musical stage roles in shows such as Kismet, Man Of La Mancha, The Fantasticks, Sweeney Todd and Carousel, along with dramatic performances in The Seagull, Macbeth, and Clarence Darrow.[24]

Canary's first daytime television role was on Search for Tomorrow, where he played the short-term role of Liza Walton's agent. He had two short stints on The Doctors as Far Wind, a cult leader who took the hospital staff hostage and killed Melissa Dancy (Dorian Lo Pinto). In 1981, he assumed the role of Steve Frame on the soap opera Another World. The revival of the Steve/Alice/Rachel love triangle was unsuccessful, and he left the show in 1983 after his character was killed off.

On New Year's Eve in 1983, he joined the cast of All My Children in the role of Adam Chandler.[25][26] The following year, he was also cast as Adam's meek twin brother, Stuart, who everybody (including the audience) believed was Adam. A May 2009 storyline had Adam accidentally shoot and kill Stuart while using prescription narcotics. Canary retired from full-time acting and departed from All My Children in 2010; his last episode was taped in late March and aired on April 23, 2010. He announced that he intended to return to AMC occasionally. He reprised both of his roles as Adam and Stuart Chandler for several days before the series finale on ABC on September 23, 2011. In 2013, he returned to the role of Adam when the show began to produce online episodes.

Canary's primetime television guest appearances include Law & Order, Touched by an Angel, S.W.A.T., Primus, Alias Smith and Jones, Police Story, Kung-Fu, Hawaii Five-O, Remember WENN, and Cimarron Strip. The actor also appeared as the locomotive engineer in the movie Atomic Train. In 2004, he appeared as mathematical genius Robert in a well-reviewed production of David Auburn's Proof in Canton, Ohio, near his hometown of Massillon.[23]

Canary was known to be affable and accessible to fans of both All My Children and Bonanza.[23] At Disney resorts, he did "meet and greet" appearances where he signed autographs for AMC fans. He also made several appearances at the Lake Tahoe site of the Ponderosa Ranch, a tourist attraction from 1967 to 2004. His last appearance at the ranch in character was in 2002 for a PAX-TV special. In March 2012, David was named as the replacement for the ailing, 90-year-old Jack Klugman in a limited-run production of Twelve Angry Men in New Brunswick, New Jersey.[27]

Personal life

[edit]

Canary was married to actress Maureen Maloney, with whom he had a son, Chris, and a daughter, Kate.[28][29] With his first wife, actress Julie M. Anderson, he had a daughter, Lisa.

Death

[edit]

Canary died on November 16, 2015, at an assisted living facility in Wilton, Connecticut, at the age of 77;[13][30][31][32][33] he had been diagnosed with dementia years before.[34]

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1967 Hombre Lamar Dean
1967 The St. Valentine's Day Massacre Frank Gusenberg
1969 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Mr. Walski Uncredited
1973 Incident on a Dark Street Peter Gallagher TV movie
1974 Melvin Purvis: G-Man Eugene T. Farber TV movie
1975 Sharks' Treasure Larry
1975 Posse Pensteman
1975 Johnny Firecloud Jesse
1990 In a Pig's Eye
1994 Secret Santa Santa Short
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1965-1966 Peyton Place Dr. Russ Gehrig 26 episodes
1967 Gunsmoke George McClaney Episodes: "Nitro Part 1 & 2"
1967 Dundee and the Culhane Charlie Montana Episode: "The Dead Man's Brief"
1967 Cimarron Strip Tal St. James Episode: "Knife in the Darkness"
1967-1973 Bonanza Candy Canaday 80 episodes
1971 The F.B.I. Eugene Bradshaw Episode: "The Last Job"
1971 Hawaii Five-O George Episode: "3000 Crooked Miles to Honolulu"
1971 Bearcats! Joe Bascom Episode: "The Hostage"
1971
1972 		Alias Smith and Jones Sheriff W.D. Coffin
Doc Donovan 		Episode: "Everything Else You Can Steal"
Episode: "The Strange Fate of Conrad Meyer Zulick"
1973 Police Story Wally Baker Episode: "Death on Credit"
1973 Kung Fu Frank Grogan Episode: "The Elixir"
1973
1974 		The Rookies TJ Curlew
Espositos 		Episode: "Down Home Boy"
Episode: "A Test of Courage"
1975 S.W.A.T. Blake Phillips Episode: "Kill S.W.A.T."
1978 The Dain Curse Jack Santos
1978 Search for Tomorrow Arthur Benson
1979-1980 The Doctors Warner / "Far Wind"
1981-1983 Another World Steve Frame
1982 American Playhouse Bingham Episode: "King of America"
1983-2011, 2013
1984-2009, 2011 		All My Children Adam Chandler
Stuart Chandler 		(final appearance)
1997 Remember WENN Luke Langly Episode: "Strange Bedfellows"
1998 Law & Order Jeremy Orenstein Episode: "Venom"
2000
2005 		One Life to Live Adam Chandler
2001 Touched by an Angel Carter Winslow Episodes: "Shallow Water Part 1 & 2"
2011 Curb Your Enthusiasm White Haired Man at Park Episode: "The Bi-Sexual"

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Canary won five Daytime Emmy Awards as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and was nominated an additional 11 times, most recently in 2008 for Best Lead Actor.[35]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Canary

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David Hoyt Canary (August 25, 1938 – November 16, 2015) was an American actor renowned for his extensive career in television, particularly his iconic roles as the affable ranch foreman Candy Canaday on the Western series from 1967 to 1973 and as the dual characters of the ruthless businessman and his gentle twin brother Stuart Chandler on the daytime soap opera from 1984 to 2013. Over his five-decade career, Canary appeared in 1,384 episodes of alone, earning 16 Daytime Emmy nominations and winning five awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, cementing his status as a legend. Born in , and raised in , Canary excelled as a star offensive and in before earning a in music from the in 1960. After serving in the U.S. Army and moving to to pursue , he made his Broadway debut in 1962's and transitioned to with roles in Westerns like Hombre (1967) alongside and (1968). His television breakthrough came with guest spots on shows such as Peyton Place, , and Hawaii Five-O before joining as a who became a series regular, portraying the loyal Candy Canaday in 91 episodes. Canary's portrayal of the Chandler twins on All My Children showcased his versatility, blending villainy and vulnerability in a role that spanned nearly three decades and included dramatic storylines involving business intrigue, family conflicts, and personal redemption. He also appeared in other series, including the daytime soaps Search for Tomorrow and One Life to Live, and the primetime series Law & Order, as well as films including The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967) and Posse (1975). In his personal life, Canary was married twice: first to producer Julie M. Anderson from 1965 to 1971, with whom he had a daughter, Lisa; and then to actress Maureen Maloney beginning in 1983, with whom he had two children, son Christopher and daughter Kathryn, along with a grandson, Donovan. He passed away on November 16, 2015, at age 77 in Wilton, Connecticut, from natural causes.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

David Hoyt Canary was born on August 25, 1938, in the small town of Elwood, . He was the son of Hilary Augustus Canary and Lorena Heal Canary. His father worked as a manager for the J.C. Penney company. As the middle of three sons, Canary grew up alongside his older brother, Hilary Glenn Canary (1934–2008), a and , and his younger brother, John Canary, also an actor who appeared in roles including on the All My Children. The family maintained close ties, with the brothers sharing creative interests in writing and that later influenced their professional paths. Around the age of six, the Canary family relocated from Indiana to Massillon, Ohio, following his father's employment opportunity with J.C. Penney. This move marked the end of his early years in the Midwest farming community of Elwood and introduced the family to the industrial town of Massillon, where early exposure to local sports would spark Canary's lifelong passion for athletics.

Childhood and Education

David Canary was born in , but his family relocated to , when he was around six years old in the mid-1940s. He adapted quickly to the industrial community's environment, fitting in well among his peers in the town. Canary attended , where he completed his secondary education and graduated in 1956. His early interests in and emerged during his school years, culminating in active participation in theatrical productions. At the , he joined the college summer stock company, performing in approximately 15 plays that ignited his commitment to an acting career. Canary earned a in music from the university's College of Arts and Sciences in 1960.

Football Career

High School Achievements

David Canary excelled as an offensive and defensive end for the Massillon Tigers at Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, during his high school years, culminating in his senior season of 1955. As co-captain alongside Tom Spicer in 1955, Canary contributed to a strong team performance under head coach Tom Harp, helping the Tigers achieve an 8-1-1 record and finish second in the Associated Press Class AA state poll. His standout play earned him second-team All-Ohio honors that year, recognizing him among the state's top high school football talents and drawing attention from college recruiters. Canary's time on the field honed his renowned and physical toughness, qualities that defined his approach to the sport and later pursuits.

College and Professional Prospects

Following his standout high school career in , David Canary earned a football scholarship to the , where he played for the Bearcats from 1957 to 1959. As a two-way starter at end, Canary contributed on both offense and defense during those seasons, lettering each year and demonstrating versatility in the . His performance earned him the John Pease Award as the team's most outstanding lineman in both 1958 and 1959, recognizing his blocking prowess and overall impact on the line. Canary's college stats reflected his role as a receiver out of the end position, with 16 receptions for 191 yards over , including a team-high 14 catches in 1959 that ranked sixth in the conference. Academically, he balanced his athletic commitments with studies in music, graduating with a in 1960 while maintaining eligibility and honors. These achievements solidified his reputation as a promising talent, drawing professional interest despite the Bearcats' modest team records during his tenure. Upon graduation, Canary was selected by the in the second round of the inaugural 1960 Draft, listed as an end with potential to contribute immediately on the line. However, he never appeared in a professional game, opting instead to pursue opportunities in acting and music in , effectively concluding his football ambitions before entering the league.

Acting Career

Early Training and Debut Roles

Following his graduation from the University of Cincinnati in 1960 with a in music, where he majored in voice and performed in over a dozen campus productions, David Canary opted to pursue acting in instead of accepting a professional football contract with the , who had drafted him that year. His experiences in college theater and shows, including musicals like Oklahoma!, , and , provided foundational practical training in performance. In New York, Canary continued building his skills through stage work, debuting on Broadway in 1961 with a small role in the musical The Happiest Girl in the World, directed by . He followed this in 1962 with chorus duties in José Quintero's production of , starring alongside , and took a lead role in the musical Hi, Paesano!. These early theater appearances in the early honed his versatility in both musical and dramatic formats. Canary's physical build, developed during his years as a lineman, lent itself to authoritative stage presences in these initial roles. His transition to screen work began with his television debut in 1965, playing Dr. Russ Gehring across 27 episodes of the ABC prime-time serial Peyton Place. This marked his first sustained professional acting engagement on screen.

Breakthrough in Westerns and Films

After completing his military service in the U.S. Army, David Canary relocated to in the early to pursue acting opportunities beyond the stage, where he had performed in productions like the off-Broadway musical . This move led to him being signed by an agent, which facilitated auditions for television and film roles, often capitalizing on his athletic build and presence to cast him in rugged, tough-guy parts. Prior to Bonanza, he guest-starred in the two-part Gunsmoke episode "Nitro" (1967) as George McClaney, a role that highlighted his suitability for Western characters. Canary's breakthrough in film came in 1967 with supporting roles that showcased his ability to portray antagonists in Western and crime genres. In Martin Ritt's Hombre, he played Lamar Dean, a menacing bandit alongside and , marking one of his earliest Hollywood credits. That same year, he appeared as , a in the Northside Gang, in Roger Corman's The St. Massacre, a dramatization of the infamous 1929 Chicago mob hit starring as . Canary's most significant breakthrough arrived later in 1967 when he was cast as Candy Canaday on the long-running Western , debuting in the "Check " during the show's eighth season. As the foreman, Canaday served as a loyal, quick-witted to the Cartwright family, blending humor and heroism in storylines involving and family dynamics. He portrayed the character in 91 episodes through 1973, becoming a staple of the series and solidifying his reputation in Western television.

Soap Opera Stardom

David Canary began his foray into with a brief role as Arthur Benson, a , on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow in 1978. He followed this with a more substantial stint as Steve Frame on NBC's Another World from 1981 to 1983, appearing in 52 episodes and reviving the character's central storyline, though the recast ultimately did not resonate with audiences. These early soap appearances allowed Canary to transition from his Western television background, honing his skills in serialized drama. Canary achieved enduring stardom on ABC's , debuting as the ruthless business tycoon in late 1983 and portraying his good-hearted identical twin brother Stuart starting in 1984. Over the next 27 years, he appeared in 1,384 episodes, masterfully embodying the contrasting dynamics of the Chandler twins—Adam's cunning corporate machinations and multiple marriages juxtaposed against Stuart's gentle, moral integrity—which became a cornerstone of the show's Pine Valley narrative. His prior experience in Westerns, such as , enhanced his ability to convey the twins' emotional depth and familial tensions. In February 2010, Canary announced his retirement from the series, citing the production's relocation from New York to as a primary factor, as he preferred not to uproot his life in . His final episodes aired in April 2010, marking the end of his long-term commitment, though he briefly returned in 2011 for the show's broadcast finale and again in 2013 for the online webisodes revival, reprising both Chandler roles in a nod to the series' legacy.

Later Guest Appearances

Following his soap opera stardom, David Canary maintained a presence in television through select guest roles on primetime series, leveraging his established reputation to portray diverse characters in dramatic and comedic contexts. In 1998, he appeared on as defense attorney Jeremy Orenstein in the episode "Venom," delivering a performance that highlighted his versatility in legal thrillers. Three years later, Canary guest-starred on as Carter Winslow, a struggling father facing personal loss, across the two-part episode "Shallow Water" in 2001, earning praise for his emotional depth in the inspirational drama. His later television work included a brief but memorable turn on in 2011, playing the White Haired Man at Park in the episode "The Bi-Sexual," marking one of his final on-screen appearances in a comedic setting. Earlier in his career transition, Canary had taken on short-term roles in daytime programming, such as Arthur Benson on in 1978, which served as an entry point into serialized television. Beyond television, Canary participated in minor film roles during the 1970s, often in adventure and thriller genres that echoed his western roots. In Sharks' Treasure (1975), he portrayed Larry, a crew member on a treasure-hunting expedition plagued by underwater dangers and human threats. That same year, he appeared in the exploitation thriller Johnny Firecloud as Jesse, a rancher entangled in a plot against a Native American , contributing to the film's tense interpersonal dynamics. These roles, though supporting, demonstrated his range in low-budget productions amid his rising television profile. During breaks from his soap commitments in the , Canary returned to in regional theater, showcasing his classical training. He starred as in a 1970 production of Tennessee Williams's at the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, . Later that decade, he took on the role of in Shakespeare's at a Stamford, Connecticut, theater, earning acclaim for his commanding villainous portrayal. Canary's activity tapered off after 2000, with sporadic returns to familiar territory rather than new ventures. His final professional appearances came in 2013, reprising Adam Chandler in webisodes of the rebooted All My Children online series, concluding his decades-long association with the soap format.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

David Canary was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Julie M. Anderson from 1965 to 1971, during which they had a daughter, Lisa Canary (also known as Diamond Canary). His second marriage was to actress Maureen Maloney in 1982, lasting until his death in 2015; the couple had a son, Christopher (born 1983), and a daughter, Kathryn (born circa 1985), along with a grandson, Donovan. The family settled in Wilton, Connecticut, in the early 1980s, where Maloney provided steadfast support amid Canary's demanding soap opera schedule and frequent travel for guest roles. Despite the challenges of raising children in the public eye, the couple prioritized a stable home environment, with Christopher and Kathryn growing up in the quiet suburb while Canary commuted to New York City for work.

Health Challenges

David Canary faced significant health challenges in his later years, primarily stemming from repeated head traumas sustained during his football career. As a lineman for the high school team and the Bearcats, he endured at least four major concussions between the ages of 16 and 22, often receiving minimal treatment such as before returning to play. These injuries contributed to a gradual cognitive decline that began around 2008, manifesting in atypical symptoms including violent mood swings, hallucinations, and paranoia. In 2014, approximately 18 months before his death, Canary was diagnosed with through a PET scan, though his family suspected the symptoms aligned more closely with (CTE), a degenerative condition linked to repeated concussions in contact sports. In a 2019 op-ed published in the , his daughter Kate Canary detailed these connections, noting that research had identified CTE in 87% of examined brains from former high school, college, and professional football players, and arguing that such damage extended far beyond careers to affect countless amateur athletes. During his tenure on All My Children, where he portrayed Adam and Stuart Chandler from 1983 to 2011, Canary's health issues began to impact his work schedule. By 2010, amid the show's relocation to , he cited mental and physical exhaustion from an intensified filming demands, leading him to temporarily step away for recovery and avoid uprooting his family. This period marked the beginning of adjustments to his professional commitments, ultimately tying his retirement from acting to ongoing health concerns.

Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

David Canary died on November 16, 2015, at the age of 77, while residing at The Greens at Cannondale, an facility in . According to the official obituary released by his family, the cause of death was natural causes. This followed a period of declining health related to his prior diagnosis of a rare form of in 2007, which had prompted his retirement from full-time acting in 2010 and eventual move to . Family members were with him at the time of his passing, and the announcement was made publicly through the Bouton Funeral Home, with details confirmed in local media outlets shortly thereafter.

Tributes and Posthumous Recognition

Following David Canary's death on November 16, 2015, major outlets published that celebrated his enduring contributions to , particularly his portrayal of the dual roles of Adam and Stuart Chandler on . Variety described him as a "longtime member of the cast" who brought complexity to the genre over nearly three decades, emphasizing his five Daytime Emmy wins for the role. highlighted his status as a "star of '' for decades," noting how his performances helped sustain the show's appeal to millions of viewers. ABC News similarly focused on his Emmy-winning legacy, portraying him as a of history who elevated the format through his versatile acting. Tributes poured in from co-stars and fans, reflecting Canary's warm reputation in the industry and among audiences. , who played opposite Canary's characters, remembered him as a "warm and generous, talented and fabulous man, actor and friend" on , expressing gratitude for their shared time on the show. , a former co-star and host, called him "an incredibly talented actor" and "a wonderful man." Fans echoed these sentiments across and communities, mourning the loss of a beloved figure whose work had fostered deep emotional connections over generations. In the years after his passing, Canary's death sparked broader discussions on football-related brain injuries, prompted by an op-ed from his daughter, Kate Canary, in the . Published in January 2019, the piece questioned whether repeated head trauma from Canary's high school and days—where he sustained at least four major concussions—contributed to his 2015 death from what was diagnosed as Alzheimer's but exhibited CTE-like symptoms such as mood swings and hallucinations. Kate argued that such risks extend beyond the to amateur levels, citing studies showing CTE in 87% of examined brains from former players at all levels, and called for greater awareness of sub-concussive impacts. This essay fueled posthumous conversations about athlete health and prompted reflections on how Canary's personal history intersected with his public career. Canary's legacy endures as a versatile performer who bridged Western television and soaps, influencing the depth of characters in daytime . His transition from the ranch foreman Candy Canaday on to the multifaceted Chandler twins on demonstrated his range, allowing him to infuse soap roles with nuanced emotional layers that went beyond stereotypes. ABC's official statement encapsulated this impact, stating that "for more than two decades David Canary defined daytime drama on ABC," crediting him with helping the genre maintain its cultural relevance and depth for audiences. His work set a benchmark for portraying complex, dual-natured characters, inspiring subsequent actors in the medium.

Professional Works

Film Roles

David Canary's feature film career, though not as extensive as his television work, spanned from the mid-1960s to the 1970s, with roles primarily in Westerns and action-oriented dramas. His appearances often featured him as supporting characters in ensemble casts, showcasing his ability to portray tough, rugged figures.
  • 1967: Hombre – Canary played Lamar Dean, a menacing outlaw and member of a bandit gang led by Richard Boone's character, in this Martin Ritt-directed Western starring Paul Newman as a white man raised by Apaches who defends stagecoach passengers from attackers in the Arizona Territory. The film explores themes of racial prejudice and survival in the post-Civil War era.
  • 1967: The St. Valentine's Day Massacre – As Frank Gusenberg, a real-life gangster and one of the victims in the infamous 1929 Chicago mob hit, Canary appeared in Roger Corman's gritty crime drama depicting the rivalry between Al Capone (Jason Robards) and Bugs Moran (Ralph Meeker), culminating in the brutal garage execution of seven men. This low-budget production highlighted Canary's early dramatic range in historical gangland settings.
  • 1975: Posse – Canary portrayed Pensteman, a deputy in a posse assembled by a U.S. Marshal (Kirk Douglas) to capture an outlaw (Bruce Dern), in this satirical Western directed by and starring Douglas, which critiques political opportunism and frontier justice through a manhunt gone awry in the Old West. His role contributed to the film's ensemble of corrupt lawmen.
  • 1975: Sharks' Treasure – In the role of Larry, a somewhat dim-witted diver with a stutter assisting a treasure-hunting expedition, Canary joined Cornel Wilde's adventure film about a boat captain (Wilde) and crew (including Yaphet Kotto) seeking sunken Spanish gold off the Caribbean coast, only to encounter escaped convicts and shark attacks in this Jaws-inspired thriller.
  • 1975: Johnny Firecloud – Canary depicted Jesse, the corrupt sheriff pursuing a wronged Native American veteran (Victor Mohica), in this low-budget revenge action film directed by William Allen Castleman, where the protagonist returns home from military service to face racism and vigilante justice in a small town, blending exploitation elements with social commentary on indigenous rights.

Television Roles

Canary's television career began in the mid-1960s with guest appearances on popular Western series. In 1967, he guest-starred in the two-part episode "Nitro!" of as George McClaney, marking one of his early forays into dramatic roles on the long-running Western. The following year, he took on the recurring role of Dr. Russ Gehring in the prime-time Peyton Place, appearing in multiple episodes from 1966 to 1967 as a physician entangled in the show's intricate family dynamics. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he joined the cast of NBC's as Candy Canaday, the loyal ranch foreman and trusted hand on the . Canary appeared in 91 episodes in seasons 9–11 and 14, from 1967 to 1973, bringing a youthful energy and comic relief to the Cartwright family adventures; he left the series after season 11 in 1970 due to a contract dispute but returned in 1972 for its final season. Following , Canary continued with guest spots on action-oriented shows, including Eugene Bradshaw in the 1971 episode "The Last Job" of The F.B.I. and George in the 1971 Hawaii Five-O episode "3,000 Crooked Miles to ." He also featured in the 1975 episode "Kill S.W.A.T." of S.W.A.T. as Blake Phillips, a character involved in a high-stakes hostage situation. Canary ventured into television movies during this period, showcasing his range in legal and mystery genres. In the 1973 NBC telefilm Incident on a Dark Street, he played , a young Justice Department attorney uncovering corruption tied to . Five years later, in the 1978 CBS miniseries , adapted from Dashiell Hammett's novel, Canary portrayed Jack Santos, assisting in solving a complex inheritance mystery involving and . Transitioning to daytime soaps in the late , Canary made his debut in the genre with a short-term role as Arthur Benson on in 1978, appearing in two episodes as a professional contact in the storyline. He followed this with a more substantial part as Steve Frame on Another World from 1981 to 1983, playing the sophisticated but troubled heir to the Frame family fortune in 52 episodes, which helped solidify his presence in circles. Canary's most enduring television role was as the dual characters of —a ruthless tycoon—and his gentle twin brother Stuart Chandler on ABC's , beginning in 1983 and spanning nearly three decades until 2013. He appeared in 1,384 episodes, delivering Emmy-winning performances that captured the contrasting personalities and drove major plotlines involving corporate intrigue, family rivalries, and redemption arcs in Pine Valley. During this time, he made crossover guest appearances as on in 2000 and 2005, integrating his character into the rival soap's Llanview setting for two episodes. In his later years, Canary balanced his soap commitments with select primetime guest roles. He appeared as Jeremy Orenstein in the 1998 Law & Order episode "Venom," contributing to a gritty investigation of urban crime. On Touched by an Angel, he played Carter Winslow in the two-part 2001 episode "Shallow Water," portraying a grieving family patriarch confronting loss and reconciliation. His final notable guest spot was as the White Haired Man at Park in the 2000 pilot episode of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, a brief but memorable comedic turn in Larry David's improvised series. Additionally, in 1996, he guest-starred as Roy Marsh in an episode of Remember WENN, a nostalgic PBS series set in 1940s Pittsburgh radio.

Awards and Nominations

Daytime Emmy Awards

David Canary earned five for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Series for his role as Adam Chandler on the ABC , out of a total of 16 nominations in the category spanning from 1985 to 2008. These accolades underscored his dominance in , where he set a record for the most wins in the lead actor category at the time, highlighting his nuanced portrayal of the ruthless yet multifaceted businessman and his as the character's twin brother, Stuart Chandler. His first win came in 1986. Subsequent victories in 1988 and 1989 further established Canary as a cornerstone of excellence. The 1993 award was for his work on , while his final win in 2001 honored his performance. Beyond his wins, Canary's 11 additional nominations— including in 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2000—reflected consistent critical acclaim for his versatile performance across decades of evolving narratives on All My Children. This remarkable record cemented his status as one of the most honored actors in daytime drama history.
YearOutcomeNotes
1985Nomination
1986Win
1987Nomination
1988Win
1989Win
1990Nomination
1991Nomination
1992Nomination
1993Win
1994Nomination
1995Nomination
1996Nomination
1997Nomination
1998Nomination
2000Nomination
2001Win
2008Nomination

Other Honors

In addition to his Daytime Emmy achievements, David Canary received recognition from several other prominent awards bodies in the soap opera industry. He won the Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of on in 1992, highlighting his ability to embody complex antagonistic characters. In 1999, Canary shared the Award for Favorite Couple with co-star Jennifer Bassey, who played Marian Colby, celebrating the on-screen chemistry between Stuart Chandler and Marian. Canary also earned accolades from the Online Film & Television Association (OFTA). He won the OFTA Television Award for Best Actor in a Daytime Serial for All My Children in 2000 and 2001, underscoring his consistent excellence in the dual role of the Chandler twins during a pivotal era for the series. Further affirming his impact, Canary received the Gold Derby TV Award for Lead Actor - Daytime Drama in 2009 for All My Children, an honor voted by entertainment journalists that recognized his enduring contribution to daytime television storytelling.
Award BodyYearCategoryWorkResult
Soap Opera Digest Awards1992Outstanding Lead ActorAll My ChildrenWinner
Soap Opera Digest Awards1999Favorite Couple (with Jennifer Bassey)All My ChildrenWinner
OFTA Television Awards2000Best Actor in a Daytime SerialAll My ChildrenWinner
OFTA Television Awards2001Best Actor in a Daytime SerialAll My ChildrenWinner
Gold Derby TV Awards2009Lead Actor - Daytime DramaAll My ChildrenWinner

References

  1. https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/david-canary
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/26/arts/television/david-canary-star-of-all-my-children-dies-at-77.html
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0133597/
  4. https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/david-canary-dead-all-my-children-1201648176/
  5. https://time.com/4126790/all-my-children-bonanza-david-canary-died/
  6. https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/entertainment/david-canary-dies-all-my-children-feat
  7. https://www.wiltonbulletin.com/past_obituaries/article/Obituary-David-Canary-77-actor-13980264.php
  8. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Canary-101
  9. https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2012/01/03/the-monday-after-david-canary/42573955007/
  10. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tampabaytimes/name/glenn-canary-obituary?id=10325253
  11. https://obits.oregonlive.com/us/obituaries/oregon/name/david-canary-obituary?pid=176649061
  12. https://www.oocities.org/klmillard/dcanary.html
  13. https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/massillon/2015/11/30/the-monday-after-summer-stock/32924652007/
  14. https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/david-canary-1938-2015/
  15. https://magazine.uc.edu/editors_picks/recent_features/canary.html
  16. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0133597/trivia/
  17. https://massillontigers.com/2024/02/13/david-canary-wall-of-champions/
  18. https://mhhwalk.com/historical-people/david-canary/
  19. https://massillontigers.com/history/past-seasons-games/past-seasons/1955-season/
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/dave-canary-1.html
  21. https://gobearcats.com/dave-canary
  22. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/david-canary-47310.php
  23. https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/c/cana01300.html
  24. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/afl/denver-broncos/draft/1960
  25. https://magazine.uc.edu/issues/1000/canary.html
  26. https://www.metv.com/stories/heres-why-david-canary-said-that-acting-in-bonanza-was-like-being-in-a-film
  27. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/78238/hombre
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062301/fullcredits/
  29. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/88919/the-st-valentines-day-massacre
  30. https://www.metv.com/stories/heres-how-david-canary-adjusted-to-joining-the-cast-of-bonanza-eight-years-into-the-shows-run
  31. https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/david-canary
  32. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/david-canary-dead-all-my-843747/
  33. https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/massillon/2010/04/19/david-canary-says-farewell-to/42159132007/
  34. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/160899-david-canary
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0732122/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1640886/
  37. https://www.soapcentral.com/actor/canary-david
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073210/characters/nm0133597
  39. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=little_theatre_1970_programs
  40. https://www.boutonfuneralhome.com/guestbook/4444281
  41. https://www.mptvimages.com/images/155346/david-canary-at-home-with-his-wife-julie-m-anderson-their-daughter-lisa-aka-diamond-and-his
  42. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/david-canary-and-julie-m-anderson
  43. https://people.com/the-real-life-loves-of-the-all-my-children-cast-8713616/
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/13/nyregion/bringing-home-a-daytime-emmy.html
  45. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/22/fashion/weddings/kathryn-canary-john-rothmeier-jr.html
  46. https://www.nydailynews.com/2019/01/06/did-football-kill-my-father-its-not-just-the-nfl-blows-to-the-head-sustained-in-high-school-and-college-have-damaged-countless-brains/
  47. http://www.boutonfuneralhome.com/obituary/4444281
  48. https://www.thehour.com/wilton/article/Soap-Star-and-Wiltonian-David-Canary-dies-at-77-8095323.php
  49. https://michaelfairmantv.com/all-my-children-icon-david-canary-passes-away-at-age-77/2015/11/25/
  50. https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Wilton-s-veteran-soap-actor-David-Canary-dies-6657031.php
  51. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/soap-star-david-canary-dies-77/story?id=35402132
  52. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/veteran-soap-star-david-canary-defined-daytime-drama/article27486227/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061770/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073559/
  55. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1016586-posse
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073695/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073210/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065272/fullcredits/
  59. https://www.wvxu.org/wvxu-stories/2015-11-25/emmy-winner-david-canary-dies-at-77
  60. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/11/24/soap-star-david-canary-dies/76332834/
  61. https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/daytime-emmys-best-actor-winners/
  62. https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2015/11/daytime-legend-david-canary-dead
  63. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/05/27/Winners-at-the-20th-Annual-Daytime-Emmy-Awards-Wednesday/6752738475200/
  64. https://soaps.sheknows.com/all-my-children/news/1814/david-canary-nominated-for-daytime-emmy-award/
  65. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/time-capsule-1992/
  66. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/awards-honor-daytime-stars/
  67. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0002704/2000/1/
  68. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0002704/2001/1/
  69. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0003547/2009/1/
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