Johnny Carson asked the audience if anyone could play the piano. This man raised his hand, and his life changed forever.

There are always surprises in life, and David Tolley’s destiny was changed by an 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 not be able to play because of a hand injury. Carson enquired as to whether any audience members could play the piano with any unusual rhythms.

Tolley, who had studied piano as a child, got right in. 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 phone calls offering roles in movies, jobs on cruise ships, and other opportunities. His life had been permanently changed by an inadvertent meeting on a chat show during the late hours. The tale of Tolley’s unanticipated victory serves as a warning to always be prepared to take advantage of the possibilities and difficulties life presents.