Award-winning American actor David Canary was born on August 25, 1938 in Elwood, Indiana. He played football during his stay at the Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio; eventually he was invited to study at the University of Cincinnati on the back of a football scholarship. During his stay there, he trained as a singer and performed in several college performances and summer stock shows; these experiences would compel him to pursue an acting career.
After a recurring role in the drama series Peyton Place, Canary took on his first high-profile role, joining the cast of the Western series Bonanza. He started in 1967, playing army brat turned cowboy “Candy” Canaday. He left the series in 1970 pending a contract dispute with the show’s producers, only to return in 1972 when his co-star Dan Blocker suddenly died of complications from a surgery. He stayed until the show’s sudden demise in 1973.
In 1984, Canary took on perhaps his most memorable roles yet, when he joined the cast of the daytime soap All My Children. He first played the role of Adam Chandler, a self-made millionaire who is considered one of the most devious individuals on the show. Throughout his run on the show, he has been involved in many misdeeds, and perhaps in a relatively large number of marriages. Critics consider his character as one of the most complex villains on television.
That same year, Canary played the role of Stuart Chandler, the twin brother of Adam. As opposed to his brother, Stuart is very kind and friendly, and often acts as the conscience of his brother. His character is also where most of the inhabitants of Pine Valley go to for advice. Canary’s performances earned him five Daytime Emmy awards, and an additional 11 nominations.
Canary has also appeared in other television shows, including a short role in the soap opera Another World, and guest roles in shows like Alias Smith and Jones, The Rookies, Search for Tomorrow and Law & Order.
