[1] Originally from Scarborough, Ontario,[2] he was cast because he was a leg amputee who had some physical resemblance to Fox.
[3] As he was a novice actor, however, the film's producers hired Rosemary Dunsmore as a dedicated acting coach to guide Fryer in performing.
[3] At the time of his casting he did not appreciate what Fox had done, telling The Globe and Mail that "he wasn't an inspiration because, when that's happening to you, you're in your own little world.
I just wanted to get on with my own life and not worry about some guy who was running across Canada.
"[1] After acting Fox's life onscreen his perspective changed, however, and he began telling the press that working on the film had given him greater insight into Fox's determination and the scope of his achievement.