John Candy remains one of Canada’s most cherished and funniest character actors. His memorable roles often portrayed big-hearted, lovable goofballs, earning him iconic status in classics like Uncle Buck (1989) and Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987). While his career experienced periods of quieter roles, Candy consistently bounced back, reaffirming his comedic genius.
Born in Newmarket, Ontario, in 1950, John Franklin Candy inherited Ukrainian and Polish heritage from his mother, Evangeline (Aker), and was the son of Sidney James Candy. His passion for acting ignited during his time at community college. Candy’s television debut came in 1971 with a guest appearance in Police Surgeon, alongside Sharon Farrell, John Hamelin, and Nick Mancuso. He then secured minor roles in various Canadian TV shows and low-budget films such as Tunnelvision (1976) and Find the Lady (1976). His breakthrough arrived at 27 when he joined the renowned Toronto-based comedy troupe “Second City.” This pivotal moment placed him alongside future Canadian comedy stars like Catherine O’Hara (a lifelong friend), Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, and Harold Ramis. Candy also starred in the television adaptation of the group, Second City Television (1976), which solidified his reputation for quirky humor and impressive impersonations.
Following his success with Second City TV, Candy collaborated with fellow Canadian Dan Aykroyd in Steven Spielberg’s critically panned 1941 (1979). However, subsequent roles quickly followed, including another collaboration with Aykroyd in the now classic The Blues Brothers (1980). In this film, Candy played a parole officer involved in the high-speed chase of Jake and Elwood Blues. The movie’s success propelled Candy further into the limelight.
Candy’s comedic prowess shone brightly in the hit comedy Stripes (1981), where he portrayed a goofy, overweight army recruit nicknamed ‘Ox’. Following the triumph of Stripes, Candy rejoined his Second City alumni for SCTV Network 90 (1981). He also hosted Saturday Night Live before landing a significant role in Ron Howard’s romantic comedy Splash (1984). Splash featured Candy as the womanizing brother to Tom Hanks’ character, who falls in love with a mermaid. Splash surpassed even Stripes in popularity, and many consider it his breakout movie role, introducing him to a wider audience.
He then took a supporting role in the comedic film Brewster’s Millions (1985), where he played the best friend to a man tasked with spending thirty million dollars to inherit three hundred million. Candy’s comedic timing often led to him hilariously hindering as much as helping. He maintained a prolific film schedule, starring in Armed and Dangerous (1986) with Eugene Levy, playing security guards.
1987 proved to be a banner year for John Candy Movies, presenting him with two iconic roles: Barf the Mawg in Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and the eternally optimistic, talkative salesman Del Griffith opposite Steve Martin’s exasperated character in John Hughes’ Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is widely regarded as a comedy masterpiece and stands as one of Candy’s finest performances. He quickly followed this with The Great Outdoors (1988), reuniting with Dan Aykroyd. Another classic John Candy movie role arrived with Uncle Buck (1989), where he played the titular bumbling uncle responsible for his brother’s three children.
Despite a cameo in the blockbuster Home Alone (1990), Candy’s career experienced a downturn in the early 1990s with a string of less successful films. This prompted a shift towards more serious roles. His first foray into dramatic territory was as the corrupt lawyer Dean Andrews in Oliver Stone’s JFK (1991). JFK was a critical and commercial success, and Candy transitioned from this victory to star in Cool Runnings (1993), a feel-good movie about the first Jamaican bobsled team.
John Candy was known for his imposing physical presence, standing at six feet two inches and weighing around 300 pounds. However, he was reportedly sensitive about his weight and, in the 1990s, actively attempted to lose weight and quit smoking due to a family history of heart disease.
In the mid-1990s, Candy filmed Michael Moore’s comedy Canadian Bacon (released 1995) and then traveled to Mexico to film the western spoof Wagons East (1994). Tragically, while in Mexico, he suffered a fatal heart attack in March 1994. Canadian Bacon was released posthumously and became his final film.
John Candy’s legacy endures through his beloved performances in John Candy movies like Splash and The Great Outdoors. He is fondly remembered for his roles in Stripes and Uncle Buck, and always remained proud of his Canadian roots. His contributions to comedy cinema have left an indelible mark, ensuring he remains a comedic icon for generations to come.
