Vancouver, if you aren't familiar, is quite the attraction for the filming crowd. It's got the landscape, the variable moods of the scene. Hell, even Rambo and Rocky IV got shot there, along with a heap of Hallmark movies. So, running into a famous face on the streets isn't too far-fetched.
I remember strolling down Robson Street, a hotspot for the shopping types, right in the heart of Vancouver. Around the bend and bang, I collide with Kevin Bacon and his brother. I had a moment of confusion, and then it clicked. "You're the Footloose guy," I said. Kevin gave a chuckle, said, "Yeah," and we brushed it off, wished each other well, and carried on. It's curious how we never made much fuss about celebrities hanging around Vancouver. It just wasn't the thing to do.
That wasn't the last time I bumped into the famous folk, though. Vancouver was starting to gain traction in the film business, a cheaper alternative for producing shows. The likes of MacGyver, 21 Jump Street, and Wiseguy were starting to take note. As I drove past my old haunt, Vancouver Technical School, memories of my encounter with Johnny Depp, Peter DeLuise, and the 21 Jump Street crew came flooding back.
So I signed up, attended a production meeting where they took our photos and got the necessary info for payments. Little did I know I'd actually signed up with an agent looking for fresh faces to cast as extras.
The recall of the day of the shoot is vivid. It was a fall day, the rain undecided whether to fall or not. We, a group of a hundred or so, sat in the school auditorium, awaiting instructions. We were strictly warned against wandering off - a rule a few adventurous souls decided to flout, only to be shown the exit. That kept the rest of us in line.
Time on set isn't as glamorous as one might imagine. There's a lot of waiting around between scenes, and without the luxury of smartphones, we resorted to card games, newspapers, or homework to keep boredom at bay. An opportunity arose when they needed a basketball player. I was quick to volunteer, eager to break the monotony. Little did I know it would lead to my meeting with Johnny Depp and Peter DeLuise. The scene involved the ball slipping from my hand and Johnny catching it - an unplanned moment that made it to the final cut. I am the one in the green shirt.
As I sit outside my old school now, reminiscing about that day, I can't help but appreciate how it led to more opportunities with MacGyver, 21 Jump Street, and Wiseguy. But my thirst for adventure took me to Europe, away from the budding film scene in Vancouver. Sometimes, as I drive away from the school, I wonder if I could've made a career in film, had I not chosen to explore Europe. But then, the experiences Europe offered were historical in their own right, impacting the world stage. No regrets, I reckon. It's all part of the ride.
Canadian Adventure Journey
Embarking on a new series of travel adventures, I invite you to join me as I share personal anecdotes and captivating moments from my journey back to my beloved home, Vancouver, Canada. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring natural beauty this region has to offer. I sincerely hope you find joy in this narrative.
Join our Substack for inspiring content and spread positivity. Like, comment, and support us today!