John Candy remains a beloved figure in comedy, celebrated for his larger-than-life personality and heartwarming performances. While his comedic timing and memorable roles are well-documented, one question often surfaces among fans: How Tall Was John Candy? Standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches (approximately 188 cm), Candy’s height was certainly part of his imposing yet affable screen presence. However, to simply focus on his height would be to overlook the depth and breadth of his remarkable career.
Candy’s stature contributed to his on-screen persona, often portraying lovable, albeit sometimes clumsy, characters. Coupled with his weight, which often hovered around 300 pounds, his physical presence was undeniably a part of his comedic appeal. Yet, it is important to remember that Candy’s talent extended far beyond his physicality. He was a gifted character actor capable of eliciting both laughter and empathy from his audience. Despite the gentle giant image, Candy was reportedly sensitive about discussions surrounding his weight throughout his life, especially as he became more aware of his family history of heart disease. In the 1990s, he made concerted efforts to lose weight and quit smoking, demonstrating a personal commitment to his health beyond his public persona.
Born in Newmarket, Ontario, in 1950, John Franklin Candy discovered his passion for acting during his time at a community college. His entry into television began in 1971 with a guest role in “Police Surgeon.” He honed his skills through minor roles in Canadian television and films like “Tunnelvision” and “Find the Lady.” His career truly ignited when he joined the Toronto branch of the legendary comedy troupe “Second City” at the age of 27. This pivotal moment placed him alongside a cohort of future Canadian comedy icons, including Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, and Harold Ramis – many of whom would become lifelong friends and collaborators. The success of “Second City Television” (SCTV), which emerged from the group, amplified Candy’s reputation for unique humor and his talent for impersonations, solidifying his place in the comedy landscape.
Following his television success, Candy ventured into Hollywood, initially appearing in Steven Spielberg’s “1941.” While this film was not a critical success, it paved the way for roles in other notable projects. He reunited with fellow Canadian Dan Aykroyd in the cult classic “Blues Brothers” (1980), playing a parole officer involved in the Blues Brothers’ escapades. This role further broadened his exposure and demonstrated his ability to contribute to ensemble casts within larger productions. The early 1980s saw Candy in the hit comedy “Stripes” (1981), where his portrayal of the endearingly clumsy recruit “Ox” solidified his appeal to a wider audience. He also returned to his roots with “SCTV Network 90,” showcasing his continued commitment to sketch comedy alongside his burgeoning film career. A significant turning point came with Ron Howard’s romantic comedy “Splash” (1984). Starring alongside Tom Hanks, Candy played the womanizing brother, a role that many consider his breakout performance, propelling him further into mainstream comedic stardom and proving his box office draw.
Candy’s career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s with roles in films like “Brewster’s Millions” (1985) and “Armed and Dangerous” (1986). 1987 proved to be an especially remarkable year, gifting audiences with two of his most iconic roles: Barf, the loyal “Mawg” in Mel Brooks’ “Spaceballs,” and the eternally optimistic and talkative shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith in John Hughes’ heartwarming classic, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” opposite Steve Martin. “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is often cited as one of Candy’s finest performances, blending humor with surprising emotional depth. He continued this streak with “The Great Outdoors” (1988) alongside Dan Aykroyd and another John Hughes collaboration, “Uncle Buck” (1989), further cementing his status as a comedic force in Hollywood. Even with a smaller role in the blockbuster “Home Alone” (1990), his presence was immediately recognizable and added to the film’s charm.
While the early 1990s presented Candy with a series of less successful films, he consciously sought out more serious roles to demonstrate his range as an actor. He took on the role of the lawyer Dean Andrews in Oliver Stone’s “JFK” (1991), showcasing a departure from his comedic typecasting and proving his capacity for dramatic roles. This transition was further solidified with “Cool Runnings” (1993), a feel-good sports comedy based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team, which allowed him to blend his comedic talents with a more grounded and inspirational narrative.
Tragically, John Candy’s life was cut short. While filming “Wagons East!” in Mexico in 1994, he suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 43. His final completed film, the comedy “Canadian Bacon” (1995) directed by Michael Moore, was released posthumously. John Candy’s legacy extends far beyond just his height and physical comedy. He was a versatile and gifted actor who brought joy and laughter to millions. Remembered for classics like “Splash,” “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” and “Uncle Buck,” John Candy remains an enduring icon of comedy, proving that his talent, heart, and humor were truly larger than life.
