Once upon a time I was sitting on my chesterfield watching TV. A TV commercial came on but I did not change the channel. It was a commercial for corn chips. In the TV commercial, a man was riding the bus and eating corn chips.
They were totally wicked good corn chips. They were so good that the man on the bus drifted off into a daydream about a loud fun house party, the sort of house party where wicked good corn chips would be served.
"It's the weekend!" said the host of the party. The partygoers all grinned and crunched their corn chips.
It was realistic as realistic can be, this vision of a house party. The man on the bus forgot he was on the bus altogether.
"Let's get naked!" he said.
Then he remembered that the party was only imaginary. He wondered if anyone had heard his suggestion about disrobing. He looked around. People were afraid to make eye contact because they were embarrassed for him. So the man knew he had indeed made the suggestion out loud, and furthermore he knew that he had pretty much lost the respect of the entire bus. People thought he was silly and unrestrained and vulgar.
"Heh," he said, hoping to inject a little levity into an awkward situation. Then a title card with a large photo of a bag of corn chips scrolled in. "Dig in, let loose," it said. Then the commercial ended.
Holy cow, I thought to myself. What a wicked great TV commercial. I hope they show it again right away.
I was in luck. They did show it again. And again and again and again. I was glad I had paid top dollar for the full deluxe cable TV package.
In the weeks that followed, I saw the man from the corn chips commercial in other commercials. He was in a commercial for lozenges, and in a commercial for beer, and also in a commercial for chocolate bars. He was totally getting to be a celebrity, except that I did not know what his name was and neither did any of the other members of the TV public. Who, I wondered, was that guy?
If you are a regular reader of this hot sandwich you know what happened next. I made some telephone calls to advertising agencies and artist-management places and asked some polite questions. Who, I asked, was the man in the corn chips commercial who wanted to get naked?
"His name," said one of the agents, "is Christian Potenza."
Next, I posted something about that on this hot sandwich, believing that you, the internet public, would be grateful for the information. You were, and many of you emailed questions, in the unlikely event C.P. agreed to participate in The Hot Sandwich Interview.
Then I forgot about the whole business and so did you.
Until.
Two weeks ago, a note from Christian Potenza himself arrived in my inbox. He had been searching the internet for references to his name. He had found a preponderance of such references here on this hot sandwich. Being friendly and accommodating, he wrote a letter offering to help.
So.
Yesterday I met Christian Potenza and his posse at a sidewalk café for The Hot Sandwich Interview. Here is a transcript.
Me: What do you like to drink?
Christian Potenza: Pickle brine.
Me: No way.
Christian Potenza: Yep.
Me: ...
Christian Potenza: I like pickles SO much. With garlic. And when the pickles are all gone I drink the juice.
Me: That must chap your throat.
Christian Potenza: No, it is disinfecting. That is useful when you are an actor.
Me: Why? Are actors' throats given to larger-than-normal populations of infectious organisms?
Christian Potenza: I like pickles SO much.
Me: ...
Christian Potenza: Right now I will drink an alcoholic apple cider with a side of Frangelico.
Me: ...
Christian Potenza: Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur of the highest quality. Its distinctive nutty sweetness is the perfect complement to the cider's dry crisp finish.
Me: ...
Christian Potenza: (sips) Mmmmm.
Me: You totally just dribbled your liqueur all over your pants.
Christian Potenza: Did not.
Me: Did so.
Christian Potenza: Did not.
Me: Did so.
Christian Potenza: You are a geek.
Me: I have a frequently-updated web site. No offense, but duh.
Christian Potenza: ...
Me: Are you going to punch me in the nose?
Christian Potenza: Yes.
Me: Rats.
Christian Potenza: It will teach you a lesson.
Me: So, can I be in your posse?
Christian Potenza: No.
Posted by Bret at May 5, 2003 12:36 AM
Comments from you, the internet public:
I saw CP a a Detroit Cobra's concert last year.
Perhaps it was the year before. Come to think of it...it was probably three years ago.
But definately, not more than three years ago. Definately.
Anyway, the point is; I said, "Hey", and he say's, "Hey", which was way cool, 'cause as you mentioned he's like, totally beginning to be a celebrity.
Definately.
Any way, no sooner do I turn my back, when he gestures in my direction and shouts omni-directionally, "He's Gay"!
When my girlfriend and I recall that evening, we only remember the part about me having to pee at the side of the stage. I didn't even remember the "brush with greatness" part of the story until you brought it up. Weird, eh?
js
I met Cristian Potenza just yesterday. A fine day it was too. I was at Edgefest 2003. Christian Potenza was there too. Imagine that...
There I was in my shopping cart, enjoying the sunshiny day and smuggling in two (2) mickeys of southern comfort under each boob (no, you couldn't tell at all. The only difference was that thay looked especially perky) being pushed to Molson park by my brother, Bryan, when all of the sudden, there was Christian Potenza, golden haired and beautiful, standing majestically in the sun as if the gods had said "Christian stand right here and you will look very, very hot." Well I think that Christian Potenza got the message loud and clear because he did just that. He stood there and he did look very hot indeed. Very, very hot. So then, my brother said to me,"Hey! That's that guy from the commercials!"
"Yes", I said cooly. "It is."
Then I said to the guy who we hadn't had a name for yet, "Hey! Aren't you that guy from the commercials."
"Yes." said he.
And he was really friggin' cool. He introduced himself as Christian and he was very nice and explained that his publicist had taken pictures of me in my shopping cart with my brother pushing me (which is fine with me by the way. I don't mind when publicists do that at all.).
And then my brother and my friend (more about him later) went inside and hung out at Edgefest leaving Cristian Potenza to do his thang. But I was secretly waiting to see if I would run into Christian Potenza again. Which I did. And he was equally friggin' cool the second time. He got to meet my previously mentioned friend, Erk (although Erk doesn't know who he is even though he's usually very hip)and even Erk thought he was friggin' cool.
So how could it happen that I, me, Corinne would actually get to meet Christian Potenza? Was it some cosmic coicidence? A meeting waiting to happen and a happening with meaning? I'm not sure. Only the gods and Christian Potenza will ever know for sure because it's not bloomin' likely that I will ever see his angelic face again in the flesh. And if I do,I won't have to say, "Aren't you that guy from the commercials?" No. I won't. I will simply say, "Hi Christian. You're hot."
So there ya have it.
I am inlove with the geek I met. I don't know weather that is him or me. But I do know that Bret Dawson is one of the smartest, sharpest, cookies in the jar......,, and...
After reading about Christian's nomination for a People's Choice Award at Canada.com today I decided to do a google search myself. Low and behold I stumbled here. Well, I have to agree with Corrine, Christian is a handsome man and that little giggle he gives at the end of the Tostitos commercial just makes me titter. So, if yall like Christian so much why dontcha marry him.. mmmwaah haa haaa I couldn't resist. Seriously, he has my People's Choice Vote.
hugs to Christian from Justice..has anyone started a fan club for you yet?
All I can say is that I totally love Christian Potenza...I wasn't sure I would be able to find anything on the net about him...he is so awesome and funny ....I love every single commercial I have seen him in!!!
Posted by Manda at September 20, 2003 09:22 PMI met Mr. Potenza at Maclean Hunter Cable (in Ottawa) in 1991, behind a camera - he was creepy then - and he's creepier now!!!! (but always funny).
Posted by Kdolan at September 30, 2003 10:08 PMChristian is a regular at the Nuden on Triole just off St. Laurent. He'll sign you an autograph if you catch him there.
Posted by Scooter at October 25, 2003 06:19 PMThis has got to be the craziest thing I have ever seen on the web, and frankly that's saying a lot!
A site dedicated to Potenza? Who would have thunk?
Naturally I am assuming that although some of you have had brief encounters with him, no one knows "the real" Potenza.
Well other than being a drunk, womanizing coke head he's not much of a person. Actually in the industry there's speculation that he may be sociopathic since his tempers are legendary and of course he can do no wrong. Stay on his good side and you're fine. Best advice is to just forget about him. He's gone and upset too many directors and producers with his holier-than-thou attitude it's amazing he can keep the coke going up his nose. No one wants to work with him and can you blame them? He only does one thing. He's very good at it but let's face it. It's not funny anymore.
I guess he can always "get naked" by himself.
Ya know what Pumkin? You need a good batting around. And then someone should roast your seeds a little. I was going to suggest a smashing but then I thought better of it because I figure ya just might need some tough love is all. Is that the problem? Do ya need some love, dear?
What kind of person starts rumours about Christian Potenza? He's brought joy to our Canada. Rejoice and be glad in it, man. Lighten up and for jeez sake, don't respond. I don't need that. Just lighten up. Try putting forth your biggest smiley head. You'll be better for it.
Corinne
Hey there buddy! It was good to see you again last night. I hope that everything goes well and we can cross paths again one day. stay in touch and best wishes...you know what i'm sayin ;)
Lance Almost
Posted by Lance at November 24, 2003 08:35 AMI often wondered who he was. Caught him in the movie "Hendrix" movie a couple of weeks ago on MuchMoreMusic. He played Jimi's manager Chas Chandler. I made sure I recorded the credits so I'd finally get his name, then I looked him up in the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com). Also saw him recently in the "Evil Gingivitis" spot for Listerine - the one where he says "Made ya look!!"
The guy is everyhere!
Nice website!!
Ron
Posted by Ron at December 16, 2003 04:10 PMChristian Potenza... Saw him on CBC's "Venture" episode detailing commerical actor scene in canada years ago... many commercials since (Halls "FORE!!!, and that one with the chick dreaming of a hotter guy... only to have the image morph back to Christian pushing out his gut with a bag of chips saying "What?!") Last saw him on TNTLA.com in the States playing Hendrix manager. This guy is ready to star in a great, funny comedy "soon to be known as... Jason Lee of Canada"
Posted by L Campeau at September 8, 2004 02:45 AMI just noticed him last night on the Tournament, he is Amazing. I am very interested in him. Where is he? Does anyone have an email address? Christian you are adorable.
Posted by Lily at February 1, 2005 08:09 PMI just noticed him last night on the Tournament, he is Amazing. I am very interested in him. Where is he? Does anyone have an email address? Christian you are adorable.
Posted by Lily at February 1, 2005 08:09 PMI found an old video from 1991 containing footage of Mr. Potenza from a local Ottawa Cable show. he was part of "the band" on their Home Video Show.
That's pretty interesting - isn't it?
Posted by KDolan at March 31, 2005 08:04 AMLove the new Leon's commercial featuring Christian Potenza. He's getting plenty of airtime and seems to be wel on his way to future stardom.
Posted by Kerrie Trimble at April 3, 2005 12:46 AMI have a quetion for Christian!!
Did you ever play Jude on the show 6teen?Cause if you didnt then i an going to feel really stupid and then there must be another Christian Potenza somewhere! But if you did then i soo admire you
anyway goodbye for now!!
I am so shocked! I was wondering who that commercial guy was all this time, and it turns out he also plays Jude on 6teen, my new only-favorite cartoon right now! Yay! My hubby told me maybe he's crazy, but he thought "the commercial guy" sounded like Jude... and he was! Dude... The mystery is finally solved.
Posted by Mewf at August 8, 2005 02:53 AMThe very first time I saw that commercial I couldn't stop laughing, and for some reason his face really bothered me, because I knew it, just didn't know from where. Turns out that I ran into an old highschool buddy of mine and happened to mention that commercial and bingo, turns out we shared the same drama class!! Christian Potenza was just as funny and talented in highschool during the late 80's, I'm glad to see that he's putting his talent to good use and that he's making a living out if it. I really hope he comes to our Highschool reunion this fall, it would be really cool to see him again.
Posted by DJ Midsize Mario at August 15, 2005 06:53 PMPost a comment of your own:
Sir,
I was fascinated by your recent stories about Christian Potenza and his articulate commentary on so many issues. I linked to his biography as it was provided and I was like amazed to see how deeply he feels about so many things.
As a matter of coincidence in today's mail we received the Costco Connection magazine and with it a booklet of weekly specials that will act as catalysts for interested shoppers throughout the summer months. Well, sir I could have been knocked over by a baby dill when I saw one of those specials for a chair, called Potenza. No fooling, I was like amazed and everything.
So here is a proposal for you. Perhaps you might wish to create a Potenza chair for special guests, who would have a forum on your very amazing and intellectually stimulating blog. This would be analogous to an endowed chair in a university faculty, you know. It wouldn't mean, like that the occupant of the Potenza chair would be necessarily well endowed, but it does seem to be a really good idea.
Posted by Noswad at May 6, 2003 03:22 PM