John Candy: Hollywood's Kindest Soul — But Here's the Untold Story...
Few actors in Hollywood are remembered as fondly for their kindness as John Candy, yet there's so much more to his story that many people don't realize. The new documentary John Candy: I Like Me, streaming now on Prime Video, dives deep into the life of this beloved comedian, revealing layers of warmth, humor, and vulnerability that made him truly unforgettable.
Right at the start of the film, we hear a moving tribute from Dan Aykroyd, Candy’s longtime friend and Saturday Night Live colleague, delivered at Candy’s 1994 funeral. Aykroyd didn't just recount memories; he painted Candy as a vibrant, larger-than-life character full of emotional depth. "This was no ordinary life we’re celebrating," Aykroyd said. "Candy lived as fully as any person could, with joy and an intense spirit, even a hint of madness in his smile — a gentle giant through and through. There’s a word we rarely use today, but it fits Candy perfectly: 'grand.' He was truly a grand man."
While Candy often shined in supporting roles in hits like Stripes, The Blues Brothers, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Home Alone, it was his leading parts in John Hughes classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck where his unique blend of humor and heartfelt charm made him an enduring icon.
The documentary, directed by Colin Hanks, features an impressive lineup of Candy’s contemporaries and collaborators, including comedy legends Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Macaulay Culkin, and members of Toronto’s famed Second City troupe, such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, and Martin Short.
Colin Hanks shares his perspective on what made Candy so special. "There was something incredibly genuine about him — whether he was doing slapstick or absurd comedy, you could see the real person shining through," Hanks told NPR’s Morning Edition. "That authenticity is why his performances still resonate with us today."
Candy’s backstory adds poignant context to his generosity. Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1950, he lost his father when he was just five years old. This early loss deeply shaped him. "Losing a parent so young forces you to develop coping strategies," Hanks explains. "For John, that included comfort eating and smoking, but also a passionate desire to make others happy — hosting, entertaining, seeking connection and approval."
Candy became famous as one of Hollywood’s kindest figures, but Hanks reveals there was an intense awareness of mortality beneath the surface. "John felt like he was living on borrowed time," Hanks notes. Sadly, Candy died at 43 from a heart condition.
One telling story comes from Macaulay Culkin, who starred with Candy in 1989’s Uncle Buck. At just eight years old, Culkin faced difficulties with his own father. Culkin recalls, "Even before my huge break with Home Alone, it was clear my father was a difficult man — no secret there, he was a monster."
Candy stepped into a surprisingly paternal role, looking out for young Culkin and offering emotional support. "That says everything about the kind of man John was," Culkin reflects.
Colin Hanks had a similar experience as a child when his father, Tom Hanks, worked alongside Candy on Splash. "John made me feel seen and important in a way that kids don’t often experience," he remembers fondly. "Everyone calls my dad the nicest guy in Hollywood, but honestly, you clearly haven’t met John Candy!"
John Candy’s legacy is far more than his comedic talent; it’s about a warmth and kindness rarely matched in the entertainment world. And this is the part most people miss.
John Candy: I Like Me is available now on Prime Video. What do you think—does Hollywood still have room for stars with this kind of genuine heart? Share your thoughts below!
