Ted Simonett
Encyclopedia
The Canadian Tire guy is a character played by actor
Ted Simonett in a series of television commercials for Canadian Tire
stores that ran for eight years. The character typically touted the features and benefits of products unique to Canadian Tire in a friendly, helpful everyday scenario.
In 2005 Canadian Tire changed advertising agencies, which led to a gradual phasing out of Simonett's character. In March 2006, he and on-screen wife "Gloria" were let go since the commercials had become the subject of parody, and as such were no longer considered effective. They have been parodied on Royal Canadian Air Farce
, This Hour Has 22 Minutes
, and the Rick Mercer Report
. In many circles, particularly in relation to blog sites, Simonett's character - commonly referred to as on the Canadian Tire Guy (TCTG) - has evoked particularly hostile reactions.
published an article that ridiculed Ted Simonett and his "Canadian Tire Guy" character. Shortly afterward, in March 2006, Canadian Tire unveiled its new ad campaign without Simonett.
Simonett was raised in Kingston, Ontario
, where he attended Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute
and later Queen's University
. He spent time working in Britain, and since then has been a Toronto based actor appearing in film, television, and on the stage. He became Canadian Tire's spokesman in 1997.
Little information about Simonett is available, as indicated in recent newspaper articles attempting to find out who the 'Canadian Tire guy' really is. He was signed with Canadian Tire with stipulations in his contract which prevented him from participating in interviews. Rumours circulated that there was a clause in his contract that required him to keep his trademark beard.
Simonett is also a wildlife and headshot photographer, with Canadian actors including Jackie English (TVO Kids), and Dan Lett
.
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
Ted Simonett in a series of television commercials for Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited is one of Canada's 60 largest publicly traded companies. The firm operates an inter-related network of businesses engaged in retailing hardgoods, apparel and petroleum as well as financial and automotive services, employing more than 58,000 people across Canada...
stores that ran for eight years. The character typically touted the features and benefits of products unique to Canadian Tire in a friendly, helpful everyday scenario.
In 2005 Canadian Tire changed advertising agencies, which led to a gradual phasing out of Simonett's character. In March 2006, he and on-screen wife "Gloria" were let go since the commercials had become the subject of parody, and as such were no longer considered effective. They have been parodied on Royal Canadian Air Farce
Royal Canadian Air Farce
Air Farce Live, also credited as Air Farce, previously Royal Canadian Air Farce, and Air Farce—Final Flight! for the final season, was a Canadian comedy series starring the comedy troupe The Royal Canadian Air Farce that previously starred in an eponymous radio show on CBC radio from 1973 to 1997...
, This Hour Has 22 Minutes
This Hour Has 22 Minutes
This Hour Has 22 Minutes is a weekly Canadian television comedy that airs on CBC Television. Launched in 1993 during Canada's 35th general election, the show focuses on Canadian politics, combining news parody, sketch comedy and satirical editorials...
, and the Rick Mercer Report
Rick Mercer Report
Rick Mercer Report is a Canadian television comedy series which airs on CBC Television...
. In many circles, particularly in relation to blog sites, Simonett's character - commonly referred to as on the Canadian Tire Guy (TCTG) - has evoked particularly hostile reactions.
Maclean's
The October 28, 2005 edition of Maclean'sMaclean's
Maclean's is a Canadian weekly news magazine, reporting on Canadian issues such as politics, pop culture, and current events.-History:Founded in 1905 by Toronto journalist/entrepreneur Lt.-Col. John Bayne Maclean, a 43-year-old trade magazine publisher who purchased an advertising agency's in-house...
published an article that ridiculed Ted Simonett and his "Canadian Tire Guy" character. Shortly afterward, in March 2006, Canadian Tire unveiled its new ad campaign without Simonett.
Ted Simonett
Ted Simonett (born 1953) is a Canadian actor most widely known for his work in Canadian Tire television commercials.Simonett was raised in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
, where he attended Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute
Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute
Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute is a secondary school located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It is commonly referred to as simply "LC"...
and later Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
. He spent time working in Britain, and since then has been a Toronto based actor appearing in film, television, and on the stage. He became Canadian Tire's spokesman in 1997.
Little information about Simonett is available, as indicated in recent newspaper articles attempting to find out who the 'Canadian Tire guy' really is. He was signed with Canadian Tire with stipulations in his contract which prevented him from participating in interviews. Rumours circulated that there was a clause in his contract that required him to keep his trademark beard.
Simonett is also a wildlife and headshot photographer, with Canadian actors including Jackie English (TVO Kids), and Dan Lett
Dan Lett
Daniel Frederick Lett is a Canadian actor. He attended White Oaks Secondary School in nearby Oakville, Ontario. He has acted in films, theatre and television. His principal roles have been in the series F/X, The X-Files, E.N.G., Street Legal, and Wind at My Back.He has a brother and a sister...
.
Filmography
- Forever Mine (1999) (Mr. Galen)
- The Marriage Fool (1998) (TV) .... Falco ... aka Love After Death
- Blackjack (1998) (TV) .... Mark Smoot ... aka John Woo's Blackjack
- The Fixer (1998) (TV) .... Mike Jameson
- Short for Nothing (1998) .... Dad
- Night of the Twisters (1996) (TV) .... Stan
- Woman on the Run: The Lawrencia Bembenek Story (1993) (TV) .... Judge Skwieraski
- Broken (1992) .... Uncredited
- Sorry, Wrong Number (1989) (TV) .... Dave
- The Dream Team (1989) .... Yuppie
- Glory! Glory! (1989) (TV) .... Hank
- Switching Channels (1988) .... Tillinger
- Police Academy 4: Citizens on PatrolPolice Academy 4: Citizens on PatrolPolice Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is the fourth comedy film in the Police Academy series. It was released in 1987.A group of Police Academy graduates are sent to train a group of newly recruited civilian officers. The original Police Academy cast reprise their roles in the film. Capt. Harris,...
(1987) .... Copeland's partner - I'll Take Manhattan (1987) (mini) TV Series
- Prescription for Murder (1987) (TV) .... Dr. Rosenberg
Television work
- Poltergeist: The LegacyPoltergeist: The LegacyPoltergeist: The Legacy is a Canadian horror television series which ran from 1996 to 1999. The series tells the story of the members of a secret society known as the Legacy, and their efforts to protect humankind from occult dangers...
playing "Don Gannon" in episode: "Lullaby" (episode # 2.14) 13 June 1997 - The Twilight ZoneThe Twilight ZoneThe Twilight Zone is an American television anthology series created by Rod Serling. Each episode is a mixture of self-contained drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, or horror, often concluding with a macabre or unexpected twist...
playing "Gerry" in episode: "The Trance" (episode # 3.10) 26 November 1988 - Captain Power and the Soldiers of the FutureCaptain Power and the Soldiers of the FutureCaptain Power and the Soldiers of the Future is a 1987–88 science fiction/action television series, merging live action with animation based on computer-generated images, that ran for 22 episodes in Canadian/American syndication...
playing "Jim Mitchell" in episode: "The Intruder" (episode # 1.9) 15 November 1987 - The Littlest HoboThe Littlest HoboThe Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same name directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The series first aired from 1963 to 1965 in syndication, and was revived for a popular second run on CTV from October 11, 1979 to March 7, 1985.All three productions...
playing "Harrison" in episode: "The Clown" (episode # 3.14) 28 January 1982 - The Littlest HoboThe Littlest HoboThe Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same name directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The series first aired from 1963 to 1965 in syndication, and was revived for a popular second run on CTV from October 11, 1979 to March 7, 1985.All three productions...
playing "Dave Martindale" in episode: "Runaway" (episode # 2.15) 12 February 1981