Sudbury's Jake Deeth on becoming 'the best man'

A Sudbury actor is getting some national recognition after appearing in a TV ad for Sportsnet.

Jake Deeth stars as "the best man" in a commercial for the cable network's streaming service.

But Deeth said he had a few moments of doubt before landing the role. On his way to the audition for the spot, Deeth said he overlooked one important detail.

"I was on a streetcar, looking over the email [from agent Jana Abrams] that said the shooting date was on Friday," Deeth said. "I totally blanked out on the date. I was already performing that night in a cabaret with three friends."

Deeth thought he missed out on the role, but his agent called back a few minutes later and advised him to go to the audition, anyway. She would try to work something out with the producers.

"I felt like a total idiot," Deeth said. "I'm standing outside this audition building, a weirdo looking at his phone."

Eventually, Deeth was invited to audition, and by coincidence met up with an old friend, Andrew, who was there 20 minutes early. They both went in.

"We went in, and they said 'okay, you two guys are buddies," Deeth said. "I said 'okay, cool, and I touched Andrew's face...and they got really uncomfortable."

"So I said, no, no, we actually know each other."

They both thought the audition was a loss and "laughed it off." But the chemistry between the two worked, as they were both invited back for shooting a few days later.

A 'weird demographic'

Since appearing in the ad, Deeth said he's sometimes approached by people who recognize him.

"It's a weird demographic," Deeth said. "It's usually just middle aged guys that stop me. I've even gotten a few drinks at bars."

"I've been recognized by streetcar drivers and people on the street. They'll walk up and randomly quote a line. Like 'the split screens' and I'll say sorry, I don't understand you."

Deeth is back in town for the time being, working with Yes Theatre's production of Billy Elliot next month.

Listen to the full interview here.