Colin Hanks, actor-turned-filmmaker and son of Tom Hanks, has released a documentary titled John Candy: I Like Me, exploring the life of beloved Canadian actor John Candy. The film delves into Candy’s personal and professional journey, portraying him in a sincere light that contrasts with the larger-than-life personas often seen in Hollywood. Through interviews with Candy’s family, colleagues, and friends, along with archival footage, Hanks aims to capture the essence of a man admired for both his talent and kindness.
John Candy’s Early Life and Rise to Fame
John Candy faced tragedy early in life when his father died of a heart attack at just 35, leaving Candy as the family’s caretaker at the age of five. Despite such hardship, Candy found solace in the performing arts. He initially hesitated but eventually joined Toronto’s famed improv comedy troupe Second City, where his natural humor flourished. This led to his starring role in the Canadian sketch-comedy show Second City Television, where he worked alongside notable comedians including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, and Eugene Levy.
His comedic talent caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who cast him in the 1979 film 1941. From there, Candy built a successful movie career, known for playing affable, bumbling characters who were invariably heartfelt and relatable. Films like Stripes, Uncle Buck, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles showcased this persona and earned Candy widespread popularity.
Insight from Colleagues and Family
Colin Hanks’ documentary features heartfelt testimonials from many who knew Candy well. Macaulay Culkin, Candy’s co-star in Uncle Buck, emphasized Candy’s genuine kindness on set, noting,
I remember John caring when not a lot of people did,
Culkin said. Family members recall his devotion as a husband to Rose Candy and a father to Jennifer Candy-Sullivan and Chris Candy, despite his anxieties and struggles with weight.
Hanks reveals that Candy often sacrificed his own well-being to meet the demands of Hollywood, repeatedly playing similar characters even as his health declined. Candy’s sensitivity about his weight affected his performances, famously refusing to remove his shirt for a mud-wrestling scene in Stripes. At his heaviest, Candy weighed around 375 pounds. He passed away in 1994 at age 43 due to a fatal heart attack.
Balancing Fame and Personal Challenges
Beyond his movie career, Candy also co-owned the Toronto Argonauts, a Canadian Football League team. The documentary portrays his life during this period as marked by crippling anxiety, caught between the pressures of his personal and professional roles. Despite these hurdles, those who worked closely with him consistently emphasize how kind and supportive he was.
Eugene Levy, Candy’s friend and fellow comedian, describes a poignant moment during the actor’s funeral: as Levy was traveling to the service, he noticed no traffic and police closing freeways to hold cars back. Levy said,
You know you’ve made it, when they close the freeway for you.
Why This Documentary Matters
Colin Hanks’ film not only celebrates John Candy’s talents but also highlights his humanity, reflecting on both his triumphs and tribulations. The documentary sheds light on Candy’s role as a family patriarch and his lasting legacy in comedy, providing a nuanced portrait that challenges the usual glitz of Hollywood biographies. By sharing these stories, Hanks keeps Candy’s memory alive in a thoughtful and respectful way, offering viewers a chance to appreciate the man beyond his famous roles.
